Flip of a Switch by Kate-Lyn Rogers

Grounding Screw

(A green screw specifically used to connect a ground wire to a metal electrical box)

Toggle

(Opens and closes the electrical circuit)

Single Pole Switch

Switch Variations:

Push button, toggle, illuminated switch, rocker, tamper resistant, voltage class, mercury switch, pull-chain/ pull-chord, dimmer switch, and electronic switch.

Terminal Screws

(Type of electrical connector where a wire is held by the tightening of a screw)

A light switch is a switch most commonly used to operate electrical lights, permanently connected equipment, and/or electrical outlets. The first light switch that used “quick-break technology” was invented by John Henry Holmes in 1884 in Newcastle, UK. The “quick-break” switch overcame the problem of a switch’s electrical current flowing through the air between the conductors (electric arcing) whenever the circuit was opened or closed.

Double Push Button Switch

1800’s

The double push button light switch has 4 buttons, one set that closes the line and one set that opens the line. Pushing the raised button opens/ closes the electrical circuit and pops out the sunken button so the process is reversed. In the U.S., the buttons were commonly black but the “on” button typically had a white “mother-of-pearl” (real or fake) piece in the middle to show its function. The switch was customarily installed with the “on” button on top. Push-button switch reproductions are available on the market today for vintage or authentic styling.

The chain ed Bridgeport, 1896. trolled An attached switch: on off. of a ceiling wall es switches. either or (off, speed,

Pull Chain Switch

1890’s

The first patent for the pull chain switch was awarded to Harvey Hubbell of Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1896. A pull switch is controlled by a chain or string. An electric pull switch is attached to a toggle type switch: one pull to switch on and next pull to switch off. The most common use of a pull switch is to operate a ceiling electric light. The ceiling fan and mechanical wall fans are also appliances often operated by pull switches. Pull switches are either two-position (open or closed) or multi-position (off, low speed, medium speed, and high speed).

Sierra Despard Switch

1940’s

These momentary low voltage switches are used with only copper wiring and three quick connect terminals on the back for easy installation . Sierra electric low voltage light switches, switch plates, and relays were installed in mid-century homes, built between 1940 and 1980, and were also known as “Square D” or Despard low voltage switches. Sierra Electric Company went out of business in the early 1980’s and was purchased by Pass & Seymour.

Bryant Rocker Switch

1950’s

Rocker switches are commonly used to directly power a device. They are available in many shapes, sizes and colors. Rocker switch illumination may be controlled on separate circuits, or be dependent on switches. A rocker switch is an electrical on/off switch that rocks from one side to the other when pressed, leaving one side raised and the other depressed. It’s simple and sleek style makes it popular.

Round Dolly Light Switch

The Round Dolly Light Switch heavily models the art nouveau style dome. The “on” position is normally recognized when the toggle points upwards and can also come in copper, tin, aluminum, and fake gold. These switches have early twentieth century character that resembles a 1910 catalogue (original price being 5 shillings).

1900 ‘s

Magnesium Wave Switch

2017

The Wave Switch combines innovative technology with sleek, contemporary design. It is motion activated and waving your hand in front of the sensor turns it on/off. It is ideal for countertops in kitchens and bathrooms, and is does not require new wires for installation. Its easily customizeable and can pair with multiple switches/dimmers and allows you to conveniently control the light from different locations.

In electrical wiring, a light switch is a switch most commonly used to operate lights, permanently connected equipment, or electrical outlets. Portable lamps such as table lamps may have a light switch mounted on the socket, base, or in-line with the cord. Manually operated on/off switches may be substituted by dimmers, that allow controlling the brightness. Light switches are also found in flashlights, vehicles, other devices, and is one of the worlds most common technologies. Even though they varry in styles for countries around the world, the light switch has essentially never changed.

Kate-Lyn Rogers

Digital Design 12.4.19