As we have already learned in previous articles, an electrical switch is a device designed to stop the passage of current through the electrical circuit. When installing any of them, you will find different types, and in this article, we will learn about the 4 types of basic electrical switches that can be used in a domestic installation.

Types of electrical switch

SINGLE-POLE ELECTRICAL SWITCH

Single-pole switches are electrical mechanisms that, in domestic lighting, adopt two positions: on and off. In one position it lets the current pass and in the other it cuts. A single pole switch is used to control 1 light point from one location in dry rooms.

In single-pole types of light switches, only the power cable (Phase) is interrupted. In other words, the peculiarity of this mechanism lies in the fact that it cuts only one cable of the two necessaries for the installation of, for example, a light bulb. It is the cable popularly called neutral.

Single pole switch types have a single push button but two connection terminals (2 electrical wires are connected).

SINGLE BIPOLAR ELECTRICAL SWITCH

The bipolar switch works in the same way as the single-pole switch, but it is used in humid rooms, such as the bathroom, outside... So, it is an electrical mechanism that, although it can perform the same function as the conventional single-pole switch, it has the peculiarity that uses two cables to cut the current: the phase and the neutral.

In other words, bipolar switches are those capable of controlling, by means of a key, two electrical circuits. With these switches you can interrupt and resume, that is, turn the light on and off using a single lever.

Types of double pole light switch types have a single button and 4 connection terminals (4 electrical wires are connected).

In homes they are the most used on and off element. It is used for electrical devices in which it is necessary or important to cut the flow of the two wires of the installation.

Without a doubt, they are the safest and most practical. Bipolar switches are safety elements for the electrical installation that can prevent more than one scare. The pole is used to indicate how many circuits are controlled by the same switch.

2 WAY ELECTRICAL SWITCH OR TO/GO SWITCH

The 2-way electrical switch is a “maintained contact” mechanism used to control a light point from two different locations. Thus, we need 2 types of light switches “back and forth” for this.

The back-and-forth switch has 3 electrical contacts materialized by round terminals. Each time one of the two switches is pressed, one of the contacts moves from top to bottom so that the contact is always maintained to allow the passage of current and, therefore, the illumination of the point in question.

Switching back and forth is very useful in large rooms, corridors, stairs, etc., as it allows a light to be switched on and off from different points, electrically interconnected. For example, you can place a switch next to the door, and another switch next to the bed, so that if you turn on the light when you enter the room through the electrical switch near the door, you can turn it off from the switch that is next to the door. is near the bed.

2-way light switches have a single button and 3 connection terminals (3 electrical wires connect).

DOUBLE SWITCH

A double switch is used to control 2 light points from one place. Dual types of light switches have two buttons. In other words, it is a mechanism through which we can turn the light on and off from two different points, from the same switch (a button for the light in the corridor and a button for the light in the living room), or from two different elements., such as a lamp and a fan.

They are widely used in homes, as they are easy to use and offer great comfort. However, it is not always clear how to connect a double switch (also called 'bipolar') although it is a simple task to do so.

Simply 2 single pole switches in the same housing. Double switches have 2 buttons and 3 connection terminals (3 electrical wires are connected).

INDUSTRIAL LED LIGHTING

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