7 Types Of Light Switches To Consider When You’re Rewiring Your Home

Everyone knows that a light switch is used to open and close the electrical circuits. This way, electricity can flow freely to different appliances and lights. There are many types of light switches available on the market today. Traditional switches continue to be largely used in many homes, however, newer models have definitely registered a boost.

Selecting the right light switch for your home when you’re rewiring or maybe even updating your entire electrical panel might not seem like a big deal, but these can make all the difference in the world. Of course, safety comes first and foremost in any such projects, but that’s not to say you can’t also add some style. 

That is why it pays off to understand what types of switches are out there, what the purpose each serves and how they function. This way, you will be able to male the right choice for each space in your home. 

1. Single Pole Toggle Light Switch

The single pole is one of the most popular types of light switches on the market. These have ON and OFF functions and they are used for controlling the light fixtures. This switch is made up of one input and one output contact to switch one circuit. 

They are equipped with two brass terminal screws, with two colored wires on the circuit. There are newer models of this type of switch which have a green grounding screw connecting the circuit to the ground wire. These models are a safer option than traditional ones. 

The principle on which they function is pretty straightforward: you flip the switch to turn the lights on and you flip it back down to turn them off. Toggle light switches are a simple, popular solution and they work nicely for general lighting purposes. So, chances are people will still prefer them for simple lighting solutions, even though there are plenty of other alternatives on the market.

2. Push Button Light Switch

Another popular option when it comes to types of light switches is the push button one. This model is very simple to use and works excellently in any home. This light switch is mainly used in bathrooms and sometimes, it is wired to lighting as well as the exhaust fan.

Push-button light switches come in several variations. While some are designed to keep the button recessed once you push it, others require you to press the button and it will return to a normal position. Whichever model you decide to purchase is really a matter of personal preference.

Some prefer switches that remain recessed due to the mode or position the light is currently in. Also, this feature helps you know if something is wrong – if the light should be on, for instance, but it’s not. This is not the only type of switch to do so. Other models can help in this department as well. 

3. Three-Way Types of Light Switches

The three-way light switches are quite different from the standard options for the simple fact that they can control a series of lights from more than one location. This is why typically they are installed in stairways and hallways. You can turn on overhead lights from different corners of a room. 

Also, you might notice this type of light switches installed in garages and basements, as they can provide easy access to light in darker spaces. Another difference between the three-way light switches and the standard ones is the on and off markings, which are missing from this model. 

4. Proximity Light Switch

Whether it’s because of cost or environmental concerns, saving up on energy is always a good decision. If you want to cut down on your energy consumption, then you should go for the proximity light switches, as these are highly useful. They turn the light on when you are in the room and switch it off when you leave, due to what it’s called vacancy or occupancy sensors. They both turn off automatically, but the vacancy you have to turn on manually, while the occupancy ones turn on automatically as well.

Of course, when choosing this model you don’t have as much control over your lighting, something a lot of people find appealing. They prefer to be the ones switching on the lights or choosing the level of intensity. However, if saving energy is your primary concern, then this is the option for you. 

5. Dimmer Light Switch

The dimmer light switch has gained a lot of popularity because it allows users to have control over the light’s intensity level. With this switch, you can adjust how bright you want the light to be in a room to create the desired atmosphere.  

These switches come with a rounded knob or a level, which can be either raised or lowered to determine the desired amount of light. Lately, newer models entered the market and these are touch switches. The longer you hold your finger on the sensor pad, the brighter the light becomes. If you decide to install dimmer light switches in your home, make sure that you pair them only with dimmer-capable light bulbs, lighting fixtures and lamps. 

6. Sound Activated Types of Light Switches

Convenience is a strong desire for people today. We all want things as fast, smooth and convenient as possible. As a result, light switches that are simple to use are very popular. However, if you want to turn the lights off without having to press a button, there aren’t that many options to choose from. You have the motion-activated light switches, but these aren’t exactly used indoors. Homeowners use these models outdoors for security purposes. 

Sound activation is a highly convenient method to activate the lighting in your home and there are switches on the market which are capable of detecting sound. You could turn the light on or off by snapping your fingers. 

This technology is not exactly new. It’s been around for quite some time, now. We all remember the commercial that introduced the light switch activated by hand-clapping, turning it into a real hit. You can still find this option on the market and, what’s even better, the technology has since improved. 

The switch solution itself is very simple, as it is plugged into a normal electrical receptacle. When you clap your hands, the light turns on or off. 

7. Smart Light Switches

Smart light switches are a great way to modernize your entire home. These are WiFi compatible and they allow you to control the lighting using a tablet or a smartphone. This option offers homeowners a huge amount of control over the lighting, allowing them to set the mood in each room. However, if this option appeals to you, make sure you’re using light bulbs that are compatible with both smart home lighting and smart light switches. 

If you want, you can even pair these switches with your Amazon Alexa or Google home device and activate your light through your voice. You could even pre-set lighting preferences. Another huge benefit is that smart lighting can be used as a security feature. You can set them to turn on and off the interior lights when you’re not home. Also, around the exterior of your home if motion is detected. This way, you’ll know if you have unwanted guests lurking around. You can read more about smart home features in our guide.