What Types of Electrical Switches Can I Use For My Lighting Project?

Electrical switches are used to control electrical circuits, detect systems that are outside the operating ranges, signal controllers, and provide a way to control machines and processes manually. These switches come in various styles, and they are actually controlled by hand or foot, and they can also be controlled through the detection of level, pressure, or objects.

Switches can be simple, or they can have multiple positions like that you will find in a multi-speed fan. They can be found in various sizes, shapes, colors, and designs. There are those with toggles, and others have buttons.  You would find a wireless switch, and you would also find a remote control switch for different volts including a machine.

The Different Types of Electrical Switches

There are many kinds of electrical switches. Their function is defined by the poles and throws that a switch has. Poles refer to the circuits that the switch controls, while throws are the unique settings of the switch. The combination of the poles and throws defines the switch’s function. So, the function can be described as “single-pole, double-throw.”  This is abbreviated for brevity to the SPDT switch.

The simplest type is the single-pole, single-throw (SPST), which offers an on-off switch. Double-pole, double-throw (DPDT), however, is used as internal polarity reversing circuits.

Foot Switches

Foot switches are used to control electrical circuits using foot pressure. These are often used for machines where hand control is not possible. These are great for machines where the operator needs his hands for other tasks. These switches find numerous applications in areas where hand controls are not possible.  They are commonly found in hospital machines and office equipment.

Level Switches

These electro-mechanical devices are used to determine the levels of powders, solids, or liquids, and they are used in hoppers, bins, and tanks.  These switches help provide outputs for control systems, and they can also be used to operate devices directly.  Level switches are used quite extensively in process industries.

Limit Switches

These electro-mechanical devices are used to sense positions and motions as well as supply output signals. You will find them bare or in a rugged box or enclosure, and they are usually used in a tough environment. These switches’ specifications are used in many consumer machines. They are used in numerous manufacturing applications and industries like steel mills and paper plants.

Magnetic Switches

Magnetic Switches are also known as reed switches, and these are operated with the use of a magnetic field. The switch contacts are opened when the magnetic field is not placed in close distance to the switch. The contacts close in order to complete the circuit when the magnetic field is then placed or applied. The circuit is also completed when the switch is placed in close distance to the magnet.  These switches are typically used to detect the opening and closing of doors and windows.

Membrane Switches

These are electro-mechanical devices are based on circuit boards. These switches provide tactile control for machines and processes without needing individual switches. These are often customized to suit a particular process. The key specifications for this switch include actuator type, terminal type, and circuit assembly type. These are commonly used in commercial products like various functions that need to be controlled by a single unit.

Pressure Switches

These electro-mechanical devices are used to detect fluid pressure and give output signals to the controller. The key specifications include diaphragm material, media measured, minimum working pressure, maximum working pressure, maximum switch current, pressure type, and pressure connection. These switches are commonly used in most 12v lamps and other switch lamps. They are also used as emergency stop devices.

Pull Chain Switches

These electro-mechanical devices are operated manually, and they are used to switch circuits on and off. These things are also used to push a circuit through different power levels. 

These things are used in lighting like 12-volt switch lamps. Pull rope switches are applied to emergency stop devices. Single pull switches are utilized for manual control of overhead lights and fans.

Pushbutton Switches

These hand-operated electro-mechanical devices are also called Push Switches. These things are often used for switches and switching circuits. These switches are the most common variety of switches used on industrial controls. They compromise the bulk of manually-controlled switches, and they are available in various shapes and styles.

Rocker Switches

These switches are hand-operated electro-mechanical devices that are applied to circuits. The positions, raised or depressed, provide a quick visual of the circuits on and off status. The key specifications include the throw switch functions, actuator type, panel cutout, and mounting type. These switches are seen commonly in industrial controls as well as control of business machines and consumer goods.

Rotary Switches

Rotary switches or paddle switches are hand-operated, and they are used to switch circuits and select different functions. The rotary switch can be in on-off, two-position, or multiple discrete stops. These switches offer a visual way for operators to tell with a glance whether a circuit is energized or not.

Slide Switches

These switches are hand-operated electro-mechanical devices, which are used to switch circuits. The operator is in the form of a slider. It moves from position to position to control the status. These slide switches are commonly used in electronic equipment where there is a limited switching range. They are used as on-off buttons or a general control switch.

Thumbwheel Switches

These hand-operated electro-mechanical devices are used to control circuits, which feature a rotatable wheel. These switches are used in the aviation industry particularly in instrumentation, controllers, and flight controls. Thumbwheel switches are also used in equipment and computer devices.

Toggle Switches

These switches are hand-operated and are used to switch circuits.  They are operated by a level pushed through a small arc. The level needs to be moved back and forth to open and close a circuit. The position of the lever offers a quick visual of the status of the circuit. These switches are used quite extensively in panels and instrumentation where there is a wide range of switch functions.

Wall Switches

These switches are hand-operated and are commonly found in residential and commercial buildings for 12v lighting. These things are also used to control fans and electrical outlets. 

Wall switches are designed for on line voltage. They usually fit inside standard electric boxes, and the standard in residential or commercial constructions. These switches come in various styles, which can help keep them apart from other designs.

Wireless Switches

If you have a DC 12 volt power source that you need to go wireless, you have various options.  Our DC 12V Latching 30A Heavy Duty Wireless Remote Control Kit, for instance, offers an on and off switch function for low voltage power systems.  You can use this for solar panel lighting systems, power windows, power gates, power curtains, and more.

We also have our DC 12V Motion Sensor Wireless ON OFF Switch Set Movement Detection Device.  This is an easy-to-wire IR motion sensor, which is perfect for low voltage power source and load.  This switch is fully customizable and universal settings.  This is used for fishing boats, motor homes, RVs, buses, solar and wind systems.

Considerations When Choosing Light Switches

Different applications will need different types of switches, so it is important to know which switch applies. This helps with your purchasing decision. One of the biggest considerations is the poles, throws, and form factor.

A simple light switch might need only one pole and one throw.  However, this could take many forms including a pushbutton, rocker, rotary, slide, pull chain, toggle, and wall switch. Your selection should consider all the functions and goals in mind.

There is a wide range of prices and qualities. The simplest switches can be cheap, but the more complicated ones can cost a few dollars more. Quality varies as well, but you need to make sure that the quality meets minimum guidelines prescribed by the government.