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Home> Help> Sockets and Switches Guides> Difference between single pole and double pole switch

Difference between single pole and double pole switch

In the simplest terms the difference between an single pole switch and a double pole switch is the number of circuits the switch operates on. So when you turn off a double pole switch two circuits are turned off. In the realms of domestic mains electrics, a double pole switch refers to a switch which operates on the Live and Neutral lines. So whatever appliance is behind the double pole switch is fully isolated when the switch is turned off.

Below, we will look at how the two types of switch operate and why you'd want to use a double pole switch. 

Single Pole Switch

The Single Pole Switch

The diagram shows the electrical circuit for a single pole switch. Only the Live circuit is switched using this switch. The Neutral line remains connected to the appliance even when switched off.
Single pole switches are always used for domestic lighting circuits as a double pole switch would require double the amount of wires and would make from some pretty complicated wiring when having multiple switches controlling one light (referred to a 2-way/3-way operation). Quite a few sockets also use single pole switches, but the industry is gradually moving toward double pole switches.

Double Pole Switch

The Double Pole Switch

The diagram shows the electrical circuit for a double pole switch. Both Live and Neutral are switched using this switch. Any appliance attached via a double pole switch is completely isolated when switched off.

Double pole switches are often used for kitchen appliances as a safety precaution due to their environment. 

Picture of Double Pole Switch

So what makes them safer?

While the Live line in domestic electrics is the most dangerous, Neutral can still have a dangerous voltage on it depending on the amount of current flowing through it, how well grounded it is, how far from the ground connection you are (the Neutral line is usually connected to ground near the meter). Also, wiring faults can sometimes cause the Live voltage to appear on the Neutral line. Finally, inductive loads (eg. Electric motors) can sometimes produced quite large currents on the Neutral line. So having a way to completely isolate an appliance is a useful option, however only under certain conditions will it be any safer than a single pole switch.