Double pole

[ANDYK4]

can i replace a single pole light switch for a double pole and still use it as a single.

 

[delmel]

why on earth would you want to ?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Yes - you can if you want to. They look similar to light switches, but not exactly the same (light switches on left, DP switches from same m'fac on the right):

But why do you want to?

 

[plugwash]

why do you wan't to?

if its because the switch in question has a neon be aware that the neon needs a return path to light up. There is usually no neutral at a lightswitch, i guess since a neon is extremely low current you could use the earth but this is considedered to be bad practice.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Except, of course, when you buy those plateswitch locators with neons in...

 

[andy]

can i replace a single pole light switch for a double pole and still use it as a single.

do you mean use a 2 way as a 1 way?

 

[breezer]

Except, of course, when you buy those plateswitch locators with neons in...

not true, they do not use the earth either, they "backfeed" through the lamp to neutral

 

[plugwash]

plateswitch locators are generally wired accross the switch so they come on when the light is off (and the current they draw is insufficiant to light the bulb)

you could do this with a switch with neon but it might be a bit confusing having a neon indicator come on when the light is off.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Ah - OK - my mistake. Never used one. Presumably then no good, possibly, with fluorescents?

 

[plugwash]

yeah they can cause flourescents to flicker....

 

[Lectrician]

And beware changing a light fitting if its switched by one of them

All mk masterseal switches come with a locator, use it across the switch, or to neutral, they leave it disconnected for you to choose.