Different Types Of Switches And Sockets

Switches and sockets are essential pieces of electrical equipment that allow you to control the flow of electricity in your home. They come in various shapes, styles, and sizes and can be used for various applications. 

Switches: 

A switch is a component which connects or disconnects the following path in an electric circuit; a switch diverts electric current from one conductor to another. As you know, switches use to flick on or off the electrical components, like we use electric switches to switch on or off electrical products like fans, tv, lights, geysers, audio and video equipment, and kitchen appliances.

Sockets:

Socket is a component and a point on a wall where we can connect our electrical products for power supply. However, sockets have different shapes, which depend on which country you live in. One main difference in sockets is their voltage capacity for the amount of electric current passed.

In India, the 3-pin plug is related to 6 A/ 250 V, and generally, there are 2-pin, 3-pin, 5 pin sockets in homes and offices.  

Types Of Switches

Bell Push Switch: 

A Bell push switch is a type of switch with a simple electric mechanism to turn things on or off; the bell switch is generally constructed of heavy plastic. Bell push switches are usually used for operating doorbells at home and office. Push switches spark a short amount of current when pressed and revert to off.

Single Pole Switch: 

A single pole switch is used to control the light of a small room or a bathroom. It is the most common type of switch which we see regularly. It is called a single pole switch because the switch mechanism connects and separates only two wires. It also has ground wire to protect a single pole switch from electrical faults. Single pole switches are also called toggle switches.

Double Pole Switch: 

A double-pole switch controls two circuits at the same time. It is also used to divert the electric current in two current lines to another current line. It can be used for industrial and also for home. We can understand this as – double pole switches are 2 single pole switches controlled by the same button. It is used in Ac switches, fridges, and washing machines.

Intermediate Switch: 

An intermediate switch is used when three or more switches control components like bulbs, fans, etc., are primarily used in bedrooms, living rooms, halls and office spaces.

Types Of Sockets

Universal Sockets:  

Universal sockets have a deep standard socket, but the head is full of metal pins. The universal socket is compatible with a range of faster bolts. It is the most used type of socket hybrid worldwide and is also compatible with the most popular plug types: types A and C.

Two-pin Sockets:   

Two-pin sockets have the feature of two long connection slots. It has two round pins in which one pin is called “hot”, and the other one is called “live”.

Three Pin sockets: 

3 pin sockets have three pins; the top pin is for earthing, the second one is for live wire, and the last is called a neutral pin. It is used mainly in fridges, microwaves, ovens, and other metallic body appliances.