Ever wanted to change out a switch but didn't realize there were several kinds? Few things are more frustrating than trying to change out a three-way switch only to buy the wrong kind or wiring it up wrong.
In the tutorial Types of Electrical Switches in the Home, I'll walk you through the four types of switches you may encounter. Some switches have "on" and "off" markings, others don't. Some are single pole, some double pole, others are three-way and there's even a four-way like the one in this photo.
Switches may be simple and just control one device from one location. Others are designed to control 240 volt appliances and still others like the four-way can be used in combination with a three-ways to control a light or device from three, four, five or more locations.
So switch on and read through this tutorial to learn what switches to use and what all those screws do and why they're different colors.
Comments
Great article! I have just one comment: “220, 221, whatever it takes” is from Mr. Mom not The Money Pit.
Thanks Bill! You’re right, that was another great 1980’s movie. I made the change in the article.
Check out the switches from my company:
www. american-switches.com
Don’t forget that you need to stay safe while carrying out electrical work. I would suggest looking at electrician courses on the site use, at http://www.tradequalified.co.uk/electrician-courses-and-electrical-training-pec2.html. It is best to get a decent grounding (pun intended) before you start doing any fancy stuff.