Electrical 101

Electrical Switches

Toggling Single Pole Light Switch

Switches are used to control power to a load. They can be found on anything that runs on electricity. They can be used to control power to garbage disposals, exhaust fans, ceiling fans, gas fireplaces, outlets, appliances and electronics. Find Light Switches

When a switch is off (open), the circuit path is open and no current flows through a circuit. When a switch is on (closed) a continuous path is created to allow current to flow through the circuit and energize the load.

Single Pole Switch

A single pole switch is the most common type of switch. It has two terminals and it is either open or closed. A switch must be connected to the line side of a load and not the neutral. If a switch is connected to the neutral side of a light bulb (or other load) the bulb will always be connected to the line even when the switch is turned off.

Ground is not shown in the diagrams below.

The circuit path is open and no current flows through a circuit.

A continuous path allows current to flow through the circuit and energize the load.

Decora Rocker Switches

Rocker style is a decorative version of standard toggle switches. Decora style is about 2-3 times more expensive than toggle switches. Some homeowners replace their standard switches to rocker as an upgrade.

Rocker switches are available in single pole, 3-way, and 4-way. Find Decora Switches

Open Single Pole Light Switch

Closed Single Pole Light Switch