Hello All, today as I got shocked while switching the light off in my bathroom this morning I thought about how I probably shouldn’t mix water and electricity. 

Then I reflected back on my trip to Australia, and how they actually had a different type of light switch from the kind you see most prevalent here in the US.  So I decided to do a little bit of research into different types of light switches and share my results with you.

Today’s standard light switches are referred to as a quick-break technology; it was invented in 1884 by John Henry Holmes, this technology enabled light switches to become more useful as an everyday item. Before that, light switches would have an incredibly short useful life as the electricity would arc or jump.

From one contact point to another, which would in turn cause pitting and residue build up that was not wanted.  Today this technology is used in almost every ordinary light switch numbering in the billions.

Even though we all use light switches daily, it is quite common for people to not understand how they work aside from light on light off.  A light switch is basically an item that stops the flow of electricity from completing its circuit. 

For example when a light switch is “ON” two metal contacts touch allowing electricity to be passed through them (AKA the light bulb comes on).  When the switch is in the “OFF” position it disconnects the two metal contacts which prevents electricity from being passed from one contact through another (AKA the light turns off).  The reason it’s so important to understand this is if you ever tried to pull a light switch apart even though it may be set to the off position there is still electricity running to it and you can get electrocuted!

Always seek professional advice and help when dealing with electricity as it can cause serious injury including death under the right circumstances.

Now that we know how light switches work let’s get to the fun stuff, design.

In the US there are two standard light switch types the classic Toggle Style Switch .



Or the Rocker style sometimes referred to as a Deco Switch.

In Australia they use a type of switch that is more rounded and designed to accept 220 voltage as opposed to our 110 voltage.

French Light Switch




UK Style Light Switch




Various Types of Dimmer Light Switches

Various Types of Night/Glowing Switches




Various Types of Push Button Switches




Various Types of Pull Chain Switches

Various Types of LED Switches




Cool/Random Switches

(Remote Control Light Switch, works within 100 feet of light)

(Touch Pad LED Light Switch)

Fun Fact:  In the US when a switch is facing up it is typically on, in Australia the opposite is true a down facing switch is typically on.