Electrical switches are electromechanical devices that are used in electrical circuits to control power, detect when systems are outside their operating ranges, signal controllers of the whereabouts of machine members and workpieces, provide a means for manual control of machine and process functions, control lighting
A one-way or single-pole electrical switch is the most common one in use. They are used to control lights, fans, or other devices from a single location. It has a simple ON and OFF marking. This is something you may not find on three-way or four-way switches. A single-pole or one-way electrical switch generally comes with two brass-colored screw terminals and is connected to the “hot” (current-carrying) wire, which is usually black. One of the brass terminals is for the incoming hot (current-carrying) wire, and the other terminal is for the outgoing hot (current-carrying) wire to the device. Most of the one-way switches also include a ground terminal for connecting the circuit’s ground wire. A one-way switch basically operates as a make or break switch. When it is turned ON, the two terminals are connected, and when it is turned OFF, the contact between the two is broken.
A two-way or double-pole electrical switch is generally used in industrial applications but can also be found in some home wiring systems. Like the single-pole switch, a two-way or a double-pole electrical switch may also have the ON and OFF markings on them. These switches control a device or equipment from more than one location. A double-pole switch has four hot brass terminals (instead of two terminals like a one-way). It also has a ground terminal, allowing you to connect it to two pairs of hot wires. A two-way or double-pole switch is basically two, one-way switches combined into one. One of the terminals can be connected to either of the remaining two but both the terminals cannot be connected at the same time. When you want to make a connection with one terminal, the connection with the other is broken. The Double-Pole or the Two-way switches are generally used for 30 amps (in comparison to the 15 or 20 amps in case of standard switches), so they are able to control higher-demand appliances, like motors, and machinery.
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