What is the difference between a single pole and a double pole light switch?

A pole refers to the number of separate circuits a switch can control, a single pole switch can operate one circuit whereas a double pole switch can control two circuits.

Can you use a double pole switch as a single pole?

There are two different types of switches: the single pole and the double pole switch. A double pole switch can be used to control light and a fan or 2 lights on separate circuits. It is easy to wire a double pole switch to work as a single pole switch because only one side is used instead of both.

How can you tell if a socket is single or double pole?

The difference between a DP and SP socket is the switch, it either breaks the live in a SP socket or Live and Neutral in a DP socket SP means Single Pole and DP means Double Pole.

Do I need a single pole or double pole socket?

The difference is simply the amount of poles being switched. Are single pole sockets safe? Single pole sockets are perfectly legal and are safe for many appliances, but it is safer to use double pole sockets. Therefore is always better to use double pole sockets in all situations.

What is a single pole switch used for?

A single pole switch is used to control the light in a small closet or bathroom. It’s called a single pole switch because there are two wires connected or separated by the switch mechanism. There’s also a ground wire to protect against electrical faults.

Do Clipsal iconic switches need a neutral?

The Iconic™ range includes a number of modular electronic switches, dimmers and timers/timeclocks incorporating ControlLink technology for multiway dimming and switching using standard wiring. The Electronic mechanisms are available in 2 wire and 3 wire (requires neutral) options for all applications.

What is a switched socket?

Rather obviously, switched socket outlets are those with switches on them. Not so obvious is that some are single pole (where only the live is switched) and others are double pole (both live and neutral are switched). Unswitched sockets have no switch at all. Switching is done by unplugging the appliance.

What is the difference between double pole and single pole plug sockets?

Hi please can some one tell me what the difference is between the double and single pole plug sockets as i need to replace some. A single pole switches live only a double pole switches live and neutral. The double pole switch is safer but inevitably more expensive.

Is a double pole switch better than a single pole switch?

The double pole switch is safer but inevitably more expensive. Some circuits require a double pole switch by regulation but for a normal ring main or radial single pole is sufficient.

Are single pole sockets safe?

Single pole sockets are perfectly legal and are safe for many appliances, but it is safer to use double pole sockets. Therefore is always better to use double pole sockets in all situations.

Does a single pole switch have a ground screw?

Neither a single- or double-pole switch has terminals for neutral wires, which when present are spliced together in the switch box and bypass the switch altogether. Both types of switches have ground screws because they must be connected to a circuit ground wire for safety.