12 Types of Light Switches and How to Choose

Single-Pole Switch

• Best for: Controlling a light fixture, appliance, or outlet from a single wall location

Standard light switches are known as single-pole switches, which receive incoming power from the electrical panel and then route that power through the outgoing terminal to a single light fixture or appliance. You'll know if your switch is single-pole because it will usually have ON/OFF symbols embossed on the face of the switch.

Single-pole switches will have two brass-colored screw terminals attached to the body of the switch, plus a green screw that is connected to the metal strap. This type of switch is the most common option for residential buildings. It's used throughout the home to control bedroom lights, bathroom lights, kitchen lights, and wall outlets.

Double-Pole Switch

• Best for: Controlling a 240-volt appliance or fixture from a single wall location

The double-pole switch is commonly used in industrial applications, but it can be found in some home wiring systems to control electric water heaters or air conditioners. Compared to single-pole switches, double-pole switches are much less common in the home—you may have none if you don't have appliances that require one.

240-volt circuits operate with two individual "hot" wires and have four brass-colored screw terminals to connect the incoming and outgoing wires. Double-pole switches also have a green grounding screw for connecting the circuit's grounding wire. If the goal is to control a large appliance with the flip of a switch, then a double-pole switch is a suitable option for this upgrade.

Three-Way Switch

• Best for: Controlling a light fixture from two different wall locations in the room

Three-way switches are used in pairs and are usually found at both ends of a staircase, in garages or basements with two entries, in hallways, and in other places where two separate light switches control one light fixture or appliance.

The three-way switch has three terminal screws so that it can connect to the electrical panel, a second three-way switch, and the target light fixture or appliance. A three-way switch also has a green grounding screw to which the bare copper circuit grounding wire is attached. Use this light switch for improved convenience when controlling a single light or appliance from two locations.

Four-Way Switch

• Best for: Controlling a light fixture, outlet, or appliance from three or more different wall locations

While not common, four-way switches are used in long hallways or rooms with multiple entrances to provide control for an outlet or light fixture from multiple locations. Three-way switches allow controlling a single light fixture or appliance from two places, but four-way switches are necessary if you want control from three or more locations.

The four-way switch has four terminals plus a ground terminal. The four-way switch functions as a switching device for the traveler wires between the three-way switches so that when any one of the switches is used, it will turn off or turn on the associated light fixture or appliance.

Smart Switch

• Best for: Controlling a light fixture or appliance automatically or remotely

A smart switch allows light fixtures or appliances to be controlled through a voice assistant (such as Alexa) or an app. If you have an internet connection, you can use the app to monitor, control, and program the associated lights to automatically turn on or off when you choose.

While smart switches are usually swapped into the same location where a standard light switch is located, most require a neutral wire connection because a small amount of current flow is necessary for their operation. You may require a circuit upgrade to use these switches. Other smart switches do not need a neutral connection and instead, connect to the internet wirelessly through a hub.

Dimmer Switch

• Best for: Adjusting light intensity

A dimmer switch typically features a rotary knob or slider to adjust the brightness level of the bulbs. This allows the user to reduce the light in the room at night or when watching a movie, creating a relaxing mood in any room. Slide or rotate the dimmer to increase the light in the room. Installing a dimmer switch can save energy.

• A rotary dimmer switch has a simple knob that you rotate to increase or decrease the brightness. The light on a rotary dimmer switch can usually be turned off completely by pressing the knob.
• A sliding dimmer switch typically uses a toggle switch to turn the light on or off and a sliding control that adjusts the brightness. Some dimmers have discreet sliders that practically blend in with the rest of the switch.
  

Occupancy / Motion Sensor Switch

• Best for: Conveniently turning on lights or appliances with a motion sensor

An occupancy or motion sensor switch has a built-in motion sensor to detect when someone enters a room and turns on the light. The light will stay on for a preset amount of time, then turn off to conserve energy. These lights are common in public bathrooms and changing rooms.

The motion sensor switch typically features a toggle to control the light and sensor function. Some sensors also have daylight detection, so they won't turn on when you don't need the extra light. Additionally, they can be used with bathroom exhaust fans, so you don't have to worry about remembering to turn the fan on and off.

Specialty Switch

• Best for: Unique switch design for custom control of lighting, appliances, and other devices

Several specialty switches go beyond simply turning a light or appliance on and off. For instance, some switches have timers that simultaneously turn the light or appliance on and off every day. This is a good option for outside lights, allowing you to turn them on after dark even if you’re not home and turn them off right after sunrise to avoid wasting energy.

Similarly, time-delay switches will leave a light or appliance on for a preset amount of time after it’s turned on and then shut it off automatically. Other specialty switches also include an outlet with an additional place to plug in electronics, touch switches, and switches that can control the speed and lighting of fans.

Combination Switch

• Best for: Providing two control functions from one wall box

A combination switch is a dual design that combines the functions of two electrical devices in a single wall box, such as a light switch and an outlet or two light switches. This type of switch is great for organizing the electrical connection in a smaller area and reducing the number of wall boxes needed for the room.

When correctly installed, the two separate functions operate independently. For instance, a simple single-pole light switch can be paired with a USB charging port in one convenient combination switch. This light switch has become popular as more people seek to install in-wall USB charging ports.

Pull Chain Switch

• Best for: Operating ceiling fans and overhead lighting

Pull chain switches are a well-known light switch style that works by pulling on the chain to turn on or off the connected light or appliance. This type of switch is often used to control the speed and function of ceiling fans. Sometimes, a ceiling fan will have a built-in light controlled with a second pull chain switch.

These switches are also commonly seen in garages, sheds, and workshops, where it's easier to install a single overhead light with a built-in pull chain switch than it is to wire a separate light switch to control the light fixture.

Double-Light Switch

• Best for: Controlling two lights

A double-light switch, also called a dual or two-gang switch, controls two lights from one location. Each fixture can also be turned on or off independently from that location.

Triple-Light Switch

• Best for: Controlling three lights

Similar in concept to the double-light switch, this switch controls three lights from one spot. A triple-light switch also allows you to control each light separately. These switches are commonly confused with three-way switches, which are entirely different; they control a single light from three spots.