Popular types of Light Switches

Light switches come in various types that are actually easy to install as per manufacturer’s instructions. To help you out, here are some tips and instructions on how to replace or install electric switches for you to save time and effort. Compiled in this article are several types of switches that are available in stores today.

The first step to take is turn off the power.  Before starting on anything, always take safety precautions and switch off the power at your service panel, breaker box or fuse box. Now for those who know which fuse or breaker controls the circuit you will be working on, just remove the fuse or trip the breaker. But if you have doubts, remove the main fuse or trip the main breaker that shuts off the entire power in the house. To help ensure a satisfactory job, always take time to read the directions thoroughly.

The Three Basic Types of Wall Switches

The Popular Toggle Switch

The popular toggle switch has an arrow-shaped armature or framework that floats between the contact points which are visible whenever the switch is in the off position. This framework comes in contact with both terminals whenever the switch is flipped to the on position. Once on, it provides a continuous flow of electrical current to the light or appliance plug in an outlet.

The Mercury Switch

The mercury switch is made of a small hollow cylinder that is partially filled with mercury. When in the off position, a small contact point is positioned above the mercury level. Flipping to the on position, the contact point will lower and get immersed in mercury. This will establish contact between the two terminals providing electrical current to the light or appliance.

The Silent Switch

The silent switch I designed to have a steel spring framework. When pressed off, the spring will move away from the bottom terminal breaking the contact in between terminals. To flip the switch lever to the on position would move the steel spring back against the contact point, establishing contact in the circuit.

All three types of switches can be used interchangeably according to user’s desire. Here is an instructional example of how to install these switches.

The Single-pole Toggle Switch Installation

The single-pole toggle switch is the simplest light switch system. Fundamentally, switches provide the means for feeding or breaking electrical current to a light, appliance, and anything that needs supply of electrical current. Position your switches between the power source and the light fixture.

The single-pole toggle switch is an armature that has two brass terminal screws. The black wire is cut and is connected to the two brass terminals. The white wire on the other hand will be uninterrupted and I connected from the power source to the light or fixture.

Tips: Turn the loop on the end of the wire in the same direction as the screw threads, whenever connecting a wire to the terminal screw of the switch. If looped the opposite direction, the wire will loosen when you tighten the screw.

When a wire connected to the terminal screw runs on, cut and stripped the wire on both sides of the cut. Use a pigtail or a 6 inch piece of wire with both ends stripped and a wire-nut and fasten the three wires together. Then connect the pigtail to the terminal.

Always use wire-nuts or screw-on connectors to save time and effort whenever you make a splice in any electrical wire. Cover any soldered connection with insulating electrical tape. When soldered sections are rough, apply more layer of tape. Always insulate the wire connection an additional inch or two beyond the soldered connection in both directions.

The white wires are generally attached to light colored terminal screws like silver. The black wires are generally attached to dark colored screws such as brass. The green terminal screws are fro grounding wires. When the terminal screws are of the same color, wires can be attached to either terminal. This procedure is good for the three types of light switches above.