How to select the right switch for the job.

The following types of switches are commonly used in residential application for lighting or ceiling fans. There are many other types of switches, disconnects, networking, etc., so this will be limited to only cover the commonly used toggle style residential lighting switch.

2-way switch

This is the most common type of switch. It is used when the light or fan is to be controlled by one single place or location. They are usedto break or connect power to the device to control it. The switch has two screws for power connections and usually has one green screw for ground. This switch will have an ON and OFF label. It can be commonly found at all hardware stores. Wiring Instructions for a 2-way switch circuit can be found here .

3-way switch

This type of switch is always used in pairs. This type of switch would be used whenever there is a light or fan to be controlled from two locations. This switch is commonly used in rooms with multiple entrance ways, or in hallways or stairwells. A three-way switch would be installed in each of the locations from which the light or fan is to be controlled. This switch has 3 screws for power connections and usually has one green screw for ground. This switch will NOT have ON and OFF labels. These switches can also be found in most hardware stores. Wiring Instructions for a 3-way switch circuit can be found here .

4-way switch

This type of switch is usually used in combination with two 3-way switches. This type of switch is used whenever a light is to be controlled from three or more locations. If the hallway light is to be controlled from three locations then a 4-way switch would be used in combination with two 3-way switches. For each additional control point to be added, another 4-way switch is added. If a light was to be controlled from 5 locations, then the five switches used would consist of two 3-way switches and three 4-way switches. The 4-way switch has 4 screws for power connections and usually has one green screw for ground. This switch will NOT have ON and OFF labels. These switches may be more difficult to find, and may require visit to an electrical supply house. Wiring Instructions for a 4-way switch circuit can be found here .

Dimmer switch (2-way)

Fan Dimmer and Speed Switch

These switches are used to control the brightness of the light. This is done by reducing the amount of voltage that is allowed to go to the bulb. These switches come in a variety of styles and shapes. There are simple sliders, round twist knobs, and tap dimmers to name a few. They usually have a designated incoming (line) power screw connection or wire, a designated outgoing (load) power screw or wire, a green ground screw or wire, and some have a neutral screw or wire connection. These are easily found at most hardware stores. DO NOT use this standard dimmer switch on a ceiling fan.

Dimmer switch (3-way)

These switches are used to control a light and its brightness from two locations. This switch is used in conjuction with another 3-way switch. There is only dimmer used in each lighting circuit. This means that even though you can turn on and off the light from both locations, you can only dim the light from one location. They usually have two designated incoming (line) power screw connections or wires, a designated outgoing (load) power screw or wire, a green ground screw or wire, and some have a neutral screw or wire connection. These switches may be more difficult to find, and may require visit to a specialty or an electrical supply house.

Ceiling fan speed switch.

This switch is designed to control the speed of a ceiling fan and should never be replaced with a a standard dimmer. This switch generally has four speeds, Off, Low, Med, High. Ideally the speed switch should be matched with the fan manufacturer to ensure that the selected speeds match those of the fan. Fan motors are designed to be run a certain voltages. If the voltages are out of tolerance or low, excess heat will be created, and the windings will begin to break down. Then end result is a shortened life span of the ceiling fan. When this switch is installed, verify that the pull string on the fan is in high position. Incorrect fan speed position will result in the voltage being reduced twice, once at the switch and again at the fan, again reducing to the fan life span. Wiring Instructions for a ceiling fan speed switch can be found here .

Intelligent switches or Home Automation switches

These communicating switches can be be configured to act as dimmers and control multiple devices. They empower the owner to create lighting scenes, control via timers, create security, etc. These switches all work with existing wiring, and no modifications are required. X-10 is is at the low end and is popular as it has been around for over thirty years. UPB is an improved version of X-10, with both communicating over the power lines. There are many improved network protocols that have recently entered the arena that have added the wireless communication in addition to the power line communication, these include Z-Wave and Zigbee. The Insteon line has recently been released with a low cost quality product, that has allowed more people to enjoy home automation.