Switch

A switch is an electrical device that controls the flow of power to lights, fans, and outlets throughout your home. From standard toggles to smart dimmers and three-way configurations, switches come in countless styles to match your needs and décor. Whether you're upgrading for convenience or troubleshooting a faulty connection, Angi helps you find the right pro and guidance for every electrical project.
Switch Service Articles and Advice
Light switches don’t have to be confusing for non-electricians. If you’re wondering how does a light switch work, here’s what to know.
When you want to control one light fixture from two switches—usually at either entrance to a hallway—you’ll need a three-way switch. It’s more complicated than installing a single switch, but an electrician can stall one for you easily.
If you want the convenience and peace of mind they bring, learn how to install smart light switches to control your home’s illumination from any location.
When a three-way switch only works when one switch is on, the wiring or switch is often to blame. Find out how to diagnose and correct the problem.
A 4-way switch is a type of multi-way switch that controls lights from three or more locations. Learn how 4-way switches work in our helpful guide.
Learn a new skill and find out how to wire a light switch (safely) in your own home. This is one project that’s sure to light up your day.
Installing a motion sensor light switch lets you control your lights hands-free. Find out the benefits and uses of a motion sensor light.
Learn how to change a light switch in your home quickly and safely to replace broken or worn ones or simply for an upgrade.
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Common Switch Service Questions

Yes, wires are still hot, even if the light switch is off. The only way to ensure the wire is no longer live and that you can work with it safely is to open your circuit breaker, locate the breaker for the outlet you’re working with, and turn off the breaker for that outlet.

A light switch should be at least 2 inches from the edge of the trim of a door. The location of wall studs will often help determine where to put the light switch by your doorway, and in most cases, wall studs make it impossible to install the switch closer than 2 inches. When possible, try to keep the switch within arm’s length of the entryway.

The type of switch you choose depends on its purpose. If you prefer to control the brightness of the light or the speed of the fan without using a cord pull, consider a dimmer switch. If you prefer to control a light and ceiling fan separately, a double toggle switch is a good choice. If you have a smart home and would like to control your light switch from your phone, a smart switch is what you need.

When wiring a switch, the power typically comes into the receptacle first. The neutral wire goes straight to the outlet, while the hot wire is split. You'll need a wire nut to splice the hot wire back to one of the receptacles, but you will also tie another wire into that same wire nut and run to the switch. That way, you can control the flow of electricity to that particular receptacle by turning the switch on and off.

If a light switch is off, it’s very unlikely to cause a fire. For a fire to start, the switch has to be on, activating an electrical current, and the wiring must be faulty. However, the malfunctioning light switch could cause an intermittent current to move across the electrical wire. This issue could become a fire hazard with another device connected to the wire. You should replace the bad light switch as soon as you notice it or call an electrician.