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When it comes to the switches around your home, there's more than meets the eye. Beneath those standard faceplates lie different kinds of switches meant to make controlling the lights (or other appliances in your home) just a little bit easier. Some of the most common light switch types are single-pole switches, double-pole switches, and three-way switches, but we’ve covered every type for you here.
1. Single-Pole
Single-pole switches are easily the most common kind you’ll find around the home. And if you want to learn how to wire a light switch, this will probably be the one to do it with. They can operate any single device that needs electricity. Single pole switches connect to your home’s wiring in three ways: one connection directs power in, one other directs energy out, and the third connects to the circuit’s ground wire. Look for these in places like bathrooms, bedrooms, and closets. They are rated between 15 and 20 amps.
Best For: Controlling a single light or other device
2. Double-Pole
Photo: Rasulov / Adobe Stock
On the surface, a double-pole switch doesn’t seem that different from its friend, the single-pole switch. Both control power from one location, and both attach to your home’s wiring the same way. The difference is a matter of power that can run through it, and its ability to shut off power to two powered conductors simultaneously. With a rating of up to 30 amps, you’re more likely to find a double-pole switch in places running serious machinery.
Best For: Powering devices with a heavy electrical load
3. Three-Way
While single-pole switches can only control light fixtures in one location, three-way switches control lights from two different locations. They have one additional connection to be attached to more wires than a single-pole switch. The best example of a three-way switch is a set of lights at the top or bottom of the staircase. You turn on the light to get up the stairs, and turn it off once you’ve reached the top: You’re controlling the light from two locations. Like the single pole, these are rated between 15 and 20 amps.
Best For: Controlling one device from two switches
4. Four-Way
What does the four-way switch do? If you guessed that it gives you even more range of control, then you’re right. A four-way switch increases the number of connections to your home’s wiring, thus giving you even more control from different locations.
If you have a long hallway that branches off into bedrooms, bathrooms, and living space, four-way switches control the lighting from even more locations than the three-way switch allows.
Best For: Controlling one device from three or more switches
5. Decorative Switch
A popular choice for single- or double-pole switches, this style is operated from left to right instead of up and down. It also has a raised look that makes it particularly attractive.
Best For: Adding an interesting look to your run-of-the-mill switches
6. Rocker Switch
A rocker switch has a wider toggle than traditional switches. It resembles a see-saw. They can be found in some homes and industrial settings, they are common though usually coated with rubber or illuminated to make them easier to see in the dark.
Best For: Industrial use or to add a rustic look at home
7. Dimmable Switch
Rather than just turning the power source on and off, dimmer switches are designed and wired to lower or intensify the amount of light in a given room.
Best For: Adding customizable light to a room
8. Multiway Dimmer Switch
Photo: Fototocam / iStock / Getty Images Plus
If you want to independently dim your electrical applications and all types of light fixtures from multiple locations, a multiway switch may be the best choice for your home. Common locations for multiway dimmer switches include having a light switch at opposite ends of your hallway or kitchen for added ambiance.
Best For: Controlling lights in a large room, hallway, or other big space
9. Smart Switches
Photo: ventura / Adobe Stock
As the name would indicate, these switches pair with devices like Siri, Alexa, or Google to help you control the lights (and other devices in your home) remotely without accessing the switch manually.
Best For: Conveniently controlling lights and devices from your phone
10. Push Button Switches
Most commonly used with single-pole switches, the push-button style is used in place of a toggle. A push-button switch has one button to turn the power on and a second button to turn the power off.
Best For: People who prefer the look of a push-button over toggle switches
11. Proximity Light Switch
Forgetful homeowners, this one’s for you. Proximity switches, or motion-censored light switches, use motion-sensing technology to turn on when someone enters the room and turn off when they leave. Plus, they can help you save on energy costs.
Best For: Saving money on powering your lights
12. Selector Light Switch
You can operate this type of switch using a pair of buttons or a dial. The user works the lights wired to the switch by turning the dial or pressing the button until they have activated the light source of their choice.
Best For: Fine control of a light’s brightness
13. Sound-Activated Light Switch
Just as the proximity light switch activates when it senses motion, this switch activates when it senses sound.
Best For: A simpler alternative to smart light switches
14. Pull-Chain Switch
Photo: Henadzi Pechan / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Most commonly found in old basem*nts (and the occasional horror movie), pull-chain style switches operate using a metal chain or pull rather than toggles or switches.
Best For: Powering lamps and wall sconces without in-depth wall wiring
15. Touch Switch
Much like your touchscreen phone, touch switches operate through the use of—you guessed it—touch. By tapping your touch switch, you trigger the light fixture’s circuit to open or close, turning it on or off.
Best For: Adding a clean, modern look to your switches
16. Wireless Switch
Photo: StockPhotoPro / Adobe Stock
If you’re looking for a snazzy, high-tech light switch, then look no further than a wireless switch. Also called remote light switches, these switches work through a transmitter system that signals to an internal receiver that it’s time to turn on or off.
Best For: High-tech homes and convenient switching
17. Anti-Vandal Switch
You might choose an anti-vandal switch on the exterior of your home if you’re concerned about vandalization. More commonly used in high-traffic areas, such as a crossing light or business entryway, these switches work best in locations with higher chances of wear and tear.
Best For: Use in high-traffic areas where security is a concern
18. Photoelectric Switch
Photoelectric switches have a sensor that detects light. If there is no light, the sensors turn on, and if there is light, the sensors turn off to conserve energy without using physical touch. These light switches work similarly to motion sensors, only they use light levels as an indication of how much light to emit.
Best For: Accessibility in the home, especially for people with disabilities
19. Mercury Switch
Though no longer used in residential light fixtures due to environmental and bodily safety hazards, some older appliances like gas furnaces, boilers, gas air conditioning, and microwave ovens may contain mercury switches. Mercury switches, or mercury tilt switches, contain slight amounts of liquid mercury that opens and closes the circuit in your light switch.
Best For: Nothing, these are obsolete and no longer used
20. Illuminated Switch
If you’ve ever stumbled around in the dark looking for the light switch, an illuminated switch can make it easy to locate and light up the room.
Also called locator switches, these light switches come in many different varieties, with lights coming from underneath the switch, from the center of the switch, or from the switch’s outline.
Best For: Bathrooms and any other room you struggle to find the switch in
How To Choose Light Switches for Your Home
The best light switch is user-dependent. What works for one person might not work for another. Someone looking to ward off burglars may choose to install proximity light switches or anti-vandal switches, while someone who simply wants to find the switch in the bathroom without using a nightlight may prefer an illuminated light switch. Consider the location of your light switch and the features you want to help you decide on the right light switch for your home.
You’ll also want to ensure that the light switch you use is compatible with the circuit it will be used on—you won’t want to use a double-pole switch for a single light switch, for instance.
Becca Stokes contributed to this article.
Updater: Lyle Hendriks
Frequently Asked Questions
The best light switch is user dependent. What works for one person might not work for another. Someone looking to ward off burglars may choose to install proximity light switches or anti-vandal switches, while someone who simply wants to find the switch in the bathroom without using a nightlight may prefer an illuminated light switch. Consider the location of your light switch and the features you want to help you decide on the right light switch for your home.
Single-pole light switches are the most common light switches on the market. Their simple features make them easy to install and use. For more powerful applications that require 30 or 40 amps, you may need to use a double-pole switch. Some homeowners may want multi-way switches like three-way or four-way switches to control a light fixture from opposing ends of the room.
On average, it costs $150 to install a light switch in your home. If your home needs transfer switches installed (in layperson's terms, if you want a switch installed in a room where there isn't already access to your home’s wiring), that can cost between $300 and $2,400. If you plan on adding dimmer switches, expect to tack on an additional $100 to $200.
The average cost to repair a light switch is between $50 and $200. Consult an electrician to learn more about the factors that can affect price. If you need help with wiring at all, do not attempt the repair yourself. Instead, contact an electrician in your area.
