12 Types of Light Switches and How to Choose (2024)

Home Improvement

Electrical

Learn the different types of light switches to update your home's lighting

Bob Formisano

Bob Formisano is a licensed architect and builder with nearly 40 years of experience building new homes and restoring older homes. One of his specialties is repairing old systems dating back to the 1920s, including galvanized water pipes, knob-and-tube wiring, and more. His home repair articles for The Spruce span more than 10 years.

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Timothy Dale

Timothy Dale is a home repair expert and writer with over a decade of hands-on construction and home improvement experience. He is skilled in residential, commercial, industrial and institutional plumbing, electrical, carpentry, installation, renovations, and project management.

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Updated on 06/03/24

Reviewed by

Larry Campbell

Reviewed byLarry Campbell

Larry Campbell is an electrical contractor with 36 years of experience in residential and light commercial electrical wiring. He worked as an electronic technician and later as an engineer for the IBM Corp. He is also a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.

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Fact checked by

Jillian Dara

Fact checked byJillian Dara

Common Light Switch Styles

With a dozen light switch types to choose from, another consideration is switch style. This includes toggle, rocker, slider, and push-button switches. Toggle and rocker switches are easy to switch out for each other and are the most common options for standard residential lighting. Slider and push-button switches are typically used for dimmer switches or specialty switches.

Toggle Switch: This type of switch has a simple lever that can be flipped up or down to control the associated light, appliance, or other device.
Rocker Switch: This type of switch works in the same way as a toggle switch, but it has a broader and flatter design. Turn on or turn off the connected light or appliance by pressing the top or bottom of the switch.
Slider Switch: This type of switch features a small slider that can be moved up or down along the slider path to increase or decrease the brightness of a dimmable light. Depending on the design, the slider may also completely turn off the connected light or appliance by moving the slider to the bottom of the switch.
Push-Button: This type of switch has a button that, when pushed, will turn off or turn on the connected light. Some push-button switches may also have a rotary-style dial that can be turned to increase or decrease the brightness of the lights.

Types of Light Switches

01 of 12
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.
Tip
Neutral (usually white) wires are not connected to switches, but if you see a white wire attached to the switch, then this is when it is functioning as a hot wire. In this case, the white wire should have black or red tape wrapped near the switch terminal to indicate that the wire operates as a hot wire, not a neutral wire. Black or red tape are the standard go-to colors for indicating hot wires.
02 of 12
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.
03 of 12
Three-Way Switch
- Best for: Controlling a light fixture from two different wall locations in the room
Three-wayswitches are used in pairs and are usually found at both ends of a staircase, in garages or basem*nts 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.
04 of 12
Four-Way Switch

See Also
Learn About 4-Way Switches and How They Work in Your Home
- Best for: Controlling a light fixture, outlet, or appliance from three or more different wall locations
While not common, four-way switchesare 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.
Warning
Use extreme care in replacing a four-way switch. There are two unique layouts for the terminals, depending on the manufacturers. One is IN on top, OUT on the bottom, and the other is IN on the left and OUT on the right.
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05 of 12
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.
Tip
Be sure to buy a smart switch compatible with your hub or voice automation system and the lights you need to control.
06 of 12
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.
Tip
If you suspect a bad light switch that needs to be replaced, cut the power to the switch, test the light switch with a voltage tester to ensure the wires are no longer live, and check the switch for continuity.
07 of 12
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.
08 of 12
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.
Tip
Some specialty switches are explicitly meant for LED and CFL bulbs and often must be used if your fixture has dimmable energy-saving bulbs.
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09 of 12
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.
10 of 12
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.
11 of 12
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.
12 of 12
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.

Choosing a Light Switch

Choosing a light switch for the home doesn't need to be complicated. Consider what features the light switch needs to fulfill its purpose in the house, then narrow down your choice by exploring the options you like best.

For instance, you will need a three-way or four-way switch if you want to control a single light from two or three locations. Alternatively, a motion sensor light switch or a programmable smart light switch would be best if the goal is to reduce the lighting bill. Specialty light switches can be used for tasks like controlling a fan's blade speed and light fixture.

FAQ

Which type of light switch is most commonly used in residential homes?

Single-pole light switches are the most common light switch type used.
Do you need a neutral wire for a light switch?

You only need a neutral wire for a light switch that will eventually become a smart switch.
How do I choose a light switch?

Choosing a light switch depends on what you need the switch to do, how you like to interact with the switch, and what it looks like.

How to Set Standard Outlet and Light Switch Heights

12 Types of Light Switches and How to Choose (2024)

Common Light Switch Styles

Types of Light Switches

Single-Pole Switch

Tip

Double-Pole Switch

Three-Way Switch

Four-Way Switch

Warning

Smart Switch

Tip

Dimmer Switch

Tip

Occupancy / Motion Sensor Switch

Specialty Switch

Tip

Combination Switch

Pull Chain Switch

Double-Light Switch

Triple-Light Switch

Choosing a Light Switch