Single Pole vs Double Pole

Single pole and double pole are two different types of switch. At Herga we can offer both of these types.

What is a Single Pole Switch?

A single pole switch has one input and one output, it has two states; “on” or “off”. They can be wired either normally open or normally closed and can be either latching or momentary.

What is a Double Pole switch?

A double pole switch has two connections to 2 separate circuits. They are essentially 2 switches in one. The connections can be staggered or connect simultaneously.

Poles and Throws

Both single pole and double pole switches can be either single or double throw.

A pole refers to the number of separate circuits a switch can control, a single pole switch can operate one circuit whereas a double pole switch can control two circuits.

A throw refers to how many positions can be activated by a switch. A single throw switch will close a circuit in one position whereas a double throw switch will close a circuit in two positions and have a neutral position where neither circuit is activated.

Single Pole vs Double Pole

Single pole switches are more simple switches, used for applications where on/off is required. Double pole switches are more complex switches for more complicated applications.

Single pole are more common in every day life and can probably be used to describe the majority of switches which we come into contact with on a regular basis.

Single pole switches are often used for;

• Light switches
• Home appliances
• Alarms
• Industrial Machinery
• Emergency stop switches

Double pole switches are used for;

• Medical applications (safety feature on machines)
• Light and fan combinations

Single Pole and Double Pole Switches from Herga

Single pole switches are our most common type of switch and account for 95% of our products. View our product portfolio for our full range.

A few of our switches are available as double pole and some of these have staggard options. Some of our double pole switches are shown on our footswitch line card.

For more information on our single pole and double pole switches please contact us.