Find toggle light switches in a wide variety of electrical styles for residential homes, commercial buildings and industrial facilities. Styles include standard toggles in a wide range of colors, stacked duplex toggles (side flip), interchangeable Despard switches for narrow locations, stacked decorator toggle devices to fit modern rocker wall plates, and toggle dimmers for adjusting lighting levels. 15A and 20A options.
Do you have an unusual toggle light switch? Although most of us are familiar with standard toggle switches, there are a few types of toggle switches manufactured for toggle switch plates. If you have hard-to-find toggle switches, review your options below.
One thing to consider is that some toggles (including toggle dimmers) have a rim around the base that shows, while other types do not (see image below). If you have a preference in the look of one style over another, pay close attention to the product image when placing your order.
Regular Toggle Switch The common toggle switch fits into a small rectangular opening in wall plates; switches flick up and down to turn lights on and off. Available in 15A and 20A versions with single pole, 3-way and 4-way options. Buy toggle switches above. Shop toggle light switch covers.
2-Way Toggle Switches Electrical switches that work together to control one light from two places - both ends of a hallway, each sides of a room, or opposite levels of stairs - are actually called 3-way switches (the three points in the circuit are the light plus two switches).
3-Way Toggle Switches Three way light switches provide control of a single light from two locations. If you have 2 switches, for example, at opposite ends of a hallway, that turn the same light on and off, you'll require 3 way switches in both locations.
Tip: If necessary, you can wire a 3-way switch as a single pole if your installation plans change.
4-Way Switches Four-way electrical devices provide control of a single light from 3 locations. If you have three separate switches that control 1 light (for example, 1 at each end of a 2nd floor hallway plus a third at the bottom of the stairs), you will need to install one four-way switch between the two 3-way switches in those locations. Add more 4-way switches between the 3-way switches for additional lighting control if your lighting setup allows it.
Dimmer Toggle Switches These specialty toggles allow you to dim lighting either with by moving the toggle up and down or by presetting the light level with a small side lever then switching the toggle up and down. Note that the toggle on this second style with the small lever is slightly narrower than a regualr toggle, but the base of it is still a standard size. Both of these types fit into a normal toggle light switch plate.
Lighted Toggle Light Switches Another variation of regular toggles, these illuminated switches have a small light behind them that, when off, offer a faint glow to make them easier to find in the dark. The toggle device at left has a clear border around the toggle that allows the light to shine through. Buy lighted light switches. They fit regular toggle switchplates.
Pilot Toggle Switches These specialized switches illuminate when on to indicate that lights or equipment are still running. They are a good safety and energy-saving option for electrical devices that are out of sight - pond pumps, outdoor walkway lighting, etc. Buy lighted pilot switches.
Duplex Horizontal Toggle Switch Also fairly common, these stacked toggle switches flip on and off sideways. Duplex devices allow you to combine a toggle switch with an outlet to help save space.
Note that the top and bottom switches are a part of a single unit. You cannot replace just one of the switches.
Shop the horizontal toggle light switches or the combo horizontal toggle / electrical plug switch. Requires a duplex outlet cover opening.
Decora Horizontal Toggle Switch Less common, these toggle switches are mounted on a square type decorator housing so they can fit into Decora switch plates (with those large modern rectangular openings for rocker switches). These allow you to take advantage of the flexibility of decorator rocker wall plates while still matching the general style of your other normal toggle light switches. Buy decorator horizontal toggle switches.
Despard Toggle Switch These small interchangeable devices were one of the earliest types installed and they continue their popularity today. They can be easily identified because they must be mounted in a strap. One advantage of Despard switches is that they can be stacked 1, 2, or 3 devices high in a single gang, so they are excellent for tight spaces. They are also a good choice if you think you may wish to add more switches or an outlet at a later time. Buy Despard switches.
Despard Eagle Toggles This thicker style of despard switch is another example of vintage light switches. They fit the same plate openings as the despard switch shown above.
Low Voltage Toggle Switch These 3A 24V momentary switches are similar in shape to a standard toggle light switch and fit into the same type of light switch plate, but with a major difference. Unlike regular electrical toggle switches that are either in the up/on or the down/off position, low voltage light toggles stick straight out from the switchplate when at rest. They can only be momentarily switched up or down to make contact with the circuit to turn lights on or off, then they flick back to center. They are designed for energy-saving low voltage lighting systems (GE, Bryant, etc.) including those that were installed in midcentury homes. Buy low voltage toggle switches. Fits standard toggle light switchplate covers.
Fat Toggle Switch Vintage toggle light switches may be taller and thicker than modern ones.
Find replacement switch plates for fat toggle switches.
These plates for outdated switches have a toggle opening that's 1/2" wide x 1-3/8", with a rounded top and bottom.
Narrow Toggle Switch Customers often ask if they can buy narrow toggle switches or if they are even needed when installing a narrow wall plate in a constricted location. If you have a tight space, you can still install a standard toggle switch along with a standard electrical box and just use narrow switch covers. The electrical box is mounted below the wall surface out of sight, so it shouldn't matter.
One exception to this would be toggle dimmer switches which may have a large flange around them that would not be covered up by a narrow wallplate.
Note that narrow toggle switches are not manufactured, nor are narrow electrical boxes, because the devices still need clearance around them. Consult with a licensed electrician about your particular situation.
