A light switch opens or closes an electrical current to turn on a light fixture, ceiling fan or similar electrical device. Select a light switch that is compatible with the circuit where it will be installed. For example, if a light is controlled by one switch, you’ll need to replace it with a single-pole switch.
Toggle: A toggle light switch is the most common style. It has a single toggle that sticks out from the faceplate. The toggle is switched up or down to turn the light on or off.
Rocker: A rocker light switch operates in the same way as a toggle switch, but the design differs. It is wider and flatter than the toggle switch. It also requires less pressure to operate, making it a good switch style for accessibility.
Push-Button: The push-button light switch style is an older design than the toggle switch, but enjoys resurgences of popularity from time to time.
Touch Light: The touch light switch relies on capacitance to operate. Touching the surface alters the electrical field between the touchpad's outer surface and the inner surface, which causes the light to trigger.
Single Pole: A single pole light switch is the most common type of switch. It controls one fixture from a single location. It is easy to install or replace, and there are a variety of colors and styles available.
3-Way: A 3-way switch controls one fixture from different locations. It is often used in stairways, halls and large rooms. It is slightly more complicated to install.
4-Way: A 4-way switch controls one fixture from three locations. It is commonly used in large rooms. One 4-way switch must be used with two 3-way switches in a 4-way circuit. This is also more complicated to install than a single pole switch.
Multi-Location: A multi-location switch controls one fixture from three or more locations. Use in large spaces where having multiple controls adds convenience and safety. This is more complicated to install than a single pole switch.
FAQs
The most important light switch types in a nutshell
- One-way switch: one lamp & one switch.
- Two-way switch: at least two lamps & one switch (with a two-part rocker)
- Toggle switch: one lamp & two switches (at two different spots)
- Crossover switch: one lamp & three or more switches.
Yes, LED lights do not require any special type of switch to simply turn them on and off. Any switch that works with conventional incandescent bulbs should be fine for the LED replacement bulbs.
How do I know what type of dimmer switch I need? ›
If you're only dealing with a single switch, choose a single-pole dimmer. If you're adding a dimmer to a circuit with multiple light switches, use either a three- or four-way control that matches the existing wiring. Multi-location dimmer switches let you adjust the light level in a room from multiple locations.
What are the two most common types of switches used to control lighting systems? ›
Common Light Switch Styles
This includes toggle, rocker, slider, and push-button switches. Toggle and rocker switches are the most common options for standard residential lighting, while slider and push-button switches are typically used for dimmer switch or specialty switch operation.
How do I tell what type of light switch I need? ›
If you need to operate the same light from two places, for example at the top or bottom of a staircase or in a corridor, 3-way switches will be required. If the light needs to be operated from 3 or more places, a combination of 3-way and 4-way switches will be necessary.
What are the 3 most common switches used in residential wiring? ›
The Four Most Common Switches
- Single-Pole Switch. This switch is what you might find to control a light or receptacle from one location. ...
- Three-Way Switch. These types of switches don't have on or off markings because they have varied uses. ...
- Double Pole Switch. ...
- Four Way Switch. ...
- Call Our Residential Electricians.
Here's the scoop: LED lights need specific types of dimmers to work properly, and the old school dimmers designed for incandescent bulbs often don't make the cut. The mismatch can cause a range of issues – flickering lights, reduced lifespan of your LEDs, or they might not dim properly, or even at all.
What is the best dimmer switch for LED lights? ›
For the best possible compatibility, look for a dimmer that includes a trim wheel, like the Cloudy Bay In Wall Dimmer Switch for LED, our pick for best for LED lights. The trim wheel allows you to adjust the switch to stop flickering and unwanted noises, if your bulbs aren't compatible right out of the box.
How do I know if my light switch is LED compatible? ›
The type of dimmer switch and it's minimum/maximum load range will indicate the compatibility with LED light bulbs. Trailing edge dimmers work best with LED light bulbs and leading-edge dimmers work best with traditional incandescent and halogen light bulbs.
What is the difference between a switch and a dimmer switch? ›
A light switch turns a light full off or full on. A dimmer adjusts the light from from full off to full on in a smooth transition of brightness, and can be set to intermediate levels of brightness.
A rule of thumb commonly used to calculate a load for LED dimmers is to divide the stated maximum load by 10. For example a 400W dimmer switch should have no more than 40W of LED bulbs connected to it, which would equate to eight 5W bulbs.
What happens if you put a 60W LED bulb in a 40W socket? ›
Therefore, as long as the LED lamp's actual wattage and heat released is less than the socket or fixture rating, you should not encounter any issues. LED lamps do get warm, but they only emit a fraction (~15%) of the heat that an incandescent bulb emits.
How do I know if I need a 15 or 20 amp light switch? ›
The easiest way to determine whether a circuit is 15 or 20 amps is to look at the corresponding breaker or fuse in the breaker panel. Dedicated circuits are electrical lines that carry an electrical current to one single outlet.
Which type of switch is commonly used in residential houses? ›
The regular switch, also known as a single-pole switch, is the most common type of switch for Indian homes. It consists of a simple mechanism that allows users to turn the lights or appliances on and off with a simple flip.
What do L1 and L2 mean on a switch? ›
Wiring a One Way Switch
The other terminal is marked as L1 and is the output to the light fixture. When you're wiring decorative light switches such as chrome or stainless steel etc, you'll find that the switch will also have an L2 terminal which means it's a two way switch.
What are the 4 basic switches? ›
There are four main types of switches— single pole single throw, single pole double throw, double pole single throw, or double pole double throw.
What is a 4-way light switch? ›
A 4-way switch allows you to control a light from up to three different locations when it is used in conjunction with 3-way switches. How many switches do you need in a 4-way switch? A 4-way switch works only when installed between two 3-way switches. Technically, you need three switches to complete this circuit.
Which is better, a toggle or a rocker switch? ›
Rocker switches are ideal for simple on/off functions and are often used for applications that require clear visual and tactile feedback. Toggle switches offer more versatility, supporting both on/off and multi-position switching, making them suitable for various control applications.
What is control 4 switches? ›
The Control4® Wireless Switch provides on/off control for a variety of load types. With its robust relay and high amperage rating, the Switch can handle even high in-rush loads such as fountain pumps or large banks of fluorescent lights. It can even be used to switch wall outlets.
