Single Pole Switch Basics

 When it comes to switches, most often in housing you'll have two types of switches. Now there are many, so these are just the first, the most basic two. So one, we have a single pole switch, and so a, again, on electrical components, you have to match the amperage in the voltage to the switch. But this is a single pole switch because it has one pole that you throw once, which is a throw, and it will make contact between these two screws.

So when you flip the switch. A contact will go from here to here inside the switch and make contact and allow the electricity to go through into the device that you're powering. So it's important to understand that everything you need is on this receptacle. So you'll have two screws. The this is the ground, of course, these are the screws that secure it.

And there's two ways to mount this, and now it's a personal preference and you can do whatever you like, but you can. Put the wires in the back, make sure that the insulation goes right up to the receptacle. There's no copper exposed. Now, something I see often in the field is people will just pull these wires out and on the back of the switch is a small slot, and you can push this in to pull the wire out.

Sometimes it's easy, sometimes it's difficult. But the thing is, and this is the mistake, do not reuse this outlet. Once you have to force it open and pull this out. You should recut, uh, strip the wire and then use a new receptacle. So I know, I see people do this all the time. Please don't do it. They're not very expensive and you want to make sure that you're doing installations.

Just like you would if it was new construction or better. And remember, code is not a great job. Code is the least acceptable work that will pass with a certain standard in place. So they're there for reasons. Anytime you use electrical components, make sure you discard them and you install brand new ones.