Well, it can be difficult to figure out which types of switches and sockets you will

need for your home and office. Every Switch

Socket type serves a different purpose and knowing about these basic functionalities

helps in making an informed purchase. So, today we are sharing an explainer for each type

of switch and socket and its use.

Electrical Switches

First up, are the controlling devices, we call switches. Switches, as you know are used

to flick and switch between power on and off states. Many

Smart Switches are widely used in the

daily life like for Electric Curtains

, Light Switch,

Floor Socket and

Power Strip.

Single Pole Switches: These are the most common type of electrical switches that we see

and use in everyday life. A single pole switch controls a single fixture from a single

location. So, you flick the switch, and a light turns on or current flow starts in the

connected socket, that sort of stuff. Single pole switches are also known as toggle

switches in common jargon.

Double Pole Switches: Offering slightly different functionality, these switches can

control two fixtures at once without needing a separate box. In essence, double pole

switches are like two separate single pole switches which can be operated from the same

button.

Two-Way/Intermediate Switches: Another common type of switch installation we see in

bedrooms, living rooms, halls and office spaces, the three-way switch configuration allows

control of a single fixture from two different locations. Although easy to use, these

switches require expert electricians for proper installation.

Bell Push Switches: These are essentially single pole switches with a spring mechanism.

Bell switches allow a short burst of electric current when pushed and then revert to the

off position, hence breaking the circuit. These switches are usually used for operating

doorbells in homes and office, but also find use in certain industrial installations for

quickly checking power status.

Electrical Sockets

Sockets keep you charged up, quite literally nowadays with so many portable devices at

our disposal.

The socket is essential the conduit which allows electrical current flow into your

electrical appliances and equipment. While sockets differ in shapes and sizes according to

the country you are in, their functionality remains similar across the board. Generally, we

see 2-pin, 3-pin and 5-pin sockets in our homes and offices. The other thing that

differentiates sockets is voltage capacity, i.e., the amount of current it can pass. In

India, the three-pin plug is rated at 6A / 250V. And the sockets can also devided into

different standards like UK Standard Switch Socket, South America Switch Socket,

Italian Socket and

Thailand Switch

Socket.

Two-pin sockets: These electrical sockets feature two long connection slots, providing

an ungrounded connection.

Three-pin sockets: This type of electrical socket adds a ground pin to help prevent

electric shock from loose wiring.

Five-pin socket: It's a combination of the two-pin and three-pin socket.

Universal or International sockets: These modular socket designs have pinholes that can

accommodate a diverse range of plugs used in American and European countries.

Electrical Modules

These modules serve specific purposes for lighting and cooling solutions in home and

office.

Dimmers: Relatively new in use, dimmers allow you to increase or decrease the

brightness levels of indoor lights, mood lighting etc. Dimmers also connect seamlessly with

Smart Home solutions, providing dramatic control of your home's atmosphere.

Fan Regulators: Similar to dimmers, fan regulators are used for increasing/decreasing

ceiling fan speeds as needed. The most common types of fan regulators offer 4-step or 5-

step speed controls.

Power Units: Basically, a combination of switch and socket in a single module, these

units are used for supplying power to heavy-duty appliances. However, after the onset of

modular switches and sockets, these units are seeing less use in modern home and office

spaces.

Communication Modules

A variety of data connectivity modules also form a part of the overall electrical

setup.

Telephone Socket: Technically referred to as the RJ11 Jack, the telephone socket

enables wiring of telecommunications along with your electrical wires.

Data Socket: Finding more common use with Broadband and High-speed internet becoming

mainstream, data sockets allow networking throughout your home or office, enabling LAN

features. The socket is commonly known as RJ45 Jack.

USB Socket: The Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard is synonymous with computer and

smartphone connectivity. Now electrical brands have also started offering modular USB

sockets to simplify charging and data transfers.

TV Socket: Similar to telephone and data sockets, the TV socket allows cable

transmission from your provider or dish installation to flow through the walls into your

television.

So, that concludes our list of electrical switch and socket types and their use cases.

We hope you find it useful. Keep following our blog for more such articles.