A light switch is an electrical device used to control the flow of electricity to an electric light fixture or a group of fixtures and switched receptacles with are often found in bedrooms and living rooms. They are a fundamental part of modern electrical systems, offering a convenient and safe way to control lighting in homes, offices, and various other settings.
In this blog we will look at two different switches and styles of light switches that our Blue Crest electricians regularly supply and install, along with a frequently asked question from our clients.
Single Pole Switches
The single pole switch is a universal and standard type of light switch. To operate, we simply move the switch up and down to turn the lights on or off. It is referred to as single pole because this light switch is only created to control one path of electricity. The wiring in each light switch box includes the hot wire that brings power from the electrical panel, the load wire that leads to the light fixture, and the ground wire for safety.
Installation of single pole switches are most commonly in residential buildings.
Functions on 120 Volts of electricity.
15-20 Amp lighting circuit.
Blue Crest electricians can both supply and install single pole light switches.
Three-Way Switches Three-way switches allow the homeowner to turn the light switch on and off from two opposite locations. This switch system is also convenient for use in multiple entrances to a room or at the top and bottom of a stairway. The three-way switch system has the same main wires as the single pole switch, the hot wire, load wire and the ground wire. This system also has “traveler wires” that connect between the two light switches, these wires are what make it possible for the individual switches to control the same light fixture(s).
Installation of three-way switches can be both in residential and commercial buildings. Thus, these switches are great when requiring multiple points of access for turning on light fixtures.
Functions on 120 Volts of electricity.
15-20 Amp circuit.
Blue Crest electricians can both supply and install 3-way light switches.
Styles of Light Switches
Toggle Switches This design is the simple on and off switch that usually comes to mind when you think of a light switch. (Image shown in the main cover photo.)
Rocker Switches
This style of switches is currently one of the more popular styles that our electricians install for our clients. Many homeowners consider rocker switches to have a more modern and cleaner look in their design which is why they often choose this style for their home’s renovations, updates, and new builds.
Dimmer Switches
Dimmer switches have a slider or dial that adjusts the brightness of the connected light fixture. Some homeowners prefer the dimmer switch design where they can slide the toggle to the desired brightness and then use a switch on the same face plate to turn the lights on or off.
Why are my lights flickering? One cause can be that the new light bulbs are not rated to be used in a light fixture that is controlled by a dimmer switch. If you have recently replaced the light bulbs or switches the bulbs can begin to flicker. Sometimes your lights can work perfectly fine for awhile and then randomly begin to flicker after a couple of months of use. If you’ve installed the correctly rated bulbs for the light fixture and dimmer and the lights still flicker, then please call a licensed electrician to come and troubleshoot the problem further. If you are unsure about which type of light switch you should install in your home or business, then feel free to contact us at any of the numbers listed on our contact page.
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