Types of Electric Switch

Switches are classified into different types based on the passage of electricity when required and based on the functionalities.

• Single Pole
• Double Pole
• Three Way
• Four Way
• Dimmer switch

Single Pole

• A single pole switch has one input and one output, it has two states: “on” or “off “. It controls just one circuit. A single-pole switch turns a light on and off from one location.
• Single pole switches are easy to operate.
• Single pole switches are widely in the home.
• A single pole switch is a simple switch often found in the home; they are easily wired and installed and are very common.
• Simpler single pole switches are used in situations like when on/off functionality is needed.
• Since single pole switches are more useful in daily life, they are likely to account for the majority of switches that we come into touch with.

Applications of Single Pole Switches

• Used in Light switches
• Used in Alarms
• Used in Heavy duty machinery
• Used in Metal cutting and bending machines
• Used in Laser machines
• Used in Surgical equipment
• Used in Push to talk applications
• Used in household appliances

Double Pole

• Double Pole electric switches control separate circuits. A double pole switch has two connections to 2 separate circuits. They are essentially 2 switches in one.
• The connections can be staggered or connect simultaneously. These are also very easy to handle.
• A double pole switch has two connections to 2 separate circuits. They are essentially 2 switches in one. The connections can be staggered or connect simultaneously.
• For more demanding applications, double pole switches are more complex switches.
• Double pole switches are connected to two separate electric circuits. They essentially contain 2 switches which are linked together and can complete the circuit either simultaneously or staggered.
• Double pole switches are used in different types of application, they are popular in the medical industry as well as more commercial applications found in everyday life.

Applications of Double Pole Switches

• Double pole switch is used in light and fan combination
• Double pole switch is used in Motor direction reversal
• Double pole switch is used in power source selector
• Double pole switch is used in two-circuit control
• Double pole switch is used in medical industry

Three-Way

• A normal switch has two terminals that are either connected or disconnected. A three-way switch has three terminals in it. It generally consists of two brass screws.
• By using three-way switches, we can control the light from two different locations. The current supply can be controlled from two different locations by using three-way switches.
• A three-way switch has three terminals, and the switch connects the first terminal to either the second or the third terminal.
• A 3-way switch is larger than a single pole switch and has three screw terminals for wiring connections, plus a ground. Two of these take traveler wires that go from one switch to the other. For the third terminal, one switch is connected to the hot supply wire while the other switch is joined to the light.

Applications of Three-Way Switches

• Three-Way Switch is used to control a lamp from three different locations.
• Three-Way Switch is used to control a light from three different locations.
• Three-Way Switch is used for switching from either of two locations.

Four Way

• Four-way switches have four terminals, two terminals are for traveler wires which are coming in, and two for traveler wires which are going out.
• The device will usually indicate which two terminals are for “incoming” and “outgoing” wires.
• By using Four-way switches we can control lighting from three or more locations. There are four terminals that provide two sets of toggle positions on a Four-way switch.
• There are four terminals that provide two sets of toggle positions on a 4-way switch. Each set of terminals is one of the toggle positions.
• When the switch is in the up position, the current can flow through two terminals. In the down position, the current flows through the other two terminals.

Applications of Four-Way Switches

• Four-way switch is used to control lighting from three or more locations.
• Four-way switch is used in typical applications include multi-floor stairways which are centrally illuminated.
• Four-way switch is used to control the lighting on any floor level.

Dimmer switch

• Dimmer switches simply raise or lower the brightness in electric light bulbs. They are often used in homes and businesses to conserve energy and to control the lighting environment.
• Dimmer switches can be hooked into your smart home’s functions for controlling the ambiance in your home. It allows you to turn the light in several subtle shades.
• Dimmer switches simply raise or lower the brightness in electric light bulbs. They are often used in homes and businesses to conserve energy and to control the lighting environment.
• Dimmer switches can be hooked into your smart home’s functions for controlling the ambiance in your home. You can automatically set the lights to dim at a certain time with timers or smart controls or adjust the light level manually.

Applications of Dimmer Switches

• By using Dimmer Switches the light intensity can be adjusted from high to low and from low to high.
• Dimmer switches are used with halogen & incandescent lamps.
• Dimmer switches are widely used in residences and commercial buildings to regulate lights and conserve energy.
• Dimmer switches are used in LED lights and electric bulbs so that they will last longer.
• The living room, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom are just a few of the rooms in the house where dimmer switches can be placed.

An electric switch is an important component in an electrical circuit. An electric switch is a simple device that either breaks the circuit or completes it to stop or start the flow of current. An electric switch is an arrangement to switch the circuit ON and OFF as needed. It is also called a “Key” component in an electrical circuit. Basically, it is used to interrupt the general flow of electrons. In this article we will learn about Electric switches, the Working of electric switches, the construction of electric switches and different types of electric switches, and advantages and disadvantages, and their applications.