wiring on/off switch

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AndrewT

R.I.P.
Joined 2004
It depends on what you want the switch to do.

If it's to isolate the equipment from the mains then you must use a double pole switch to cut both Live and Neutral and the gap between the open contacts must meet the minimum requirements for isolation. That is what is fitted to your wall socket switch. But pulling the plug is safer. That is what is not offered in your light switch. It's also why the lighting circuit does not have accessible sockets. Everything is hidden away from tampering fingers.

If you just want a convenient ON/OFF switch, then a single pole switch will break the circuit and current flow stops.

I don't bother with sourcing a big gap double pole switch. I just pull out the plug. That allows me to work safely on the equipment, like replacing a fuse.
That then allows me to just source a switch for ON/OFF. I like using low voltage switching to activate a mains relay. That mains relay does not need to meet isolation standards. I have the "pull out the plug" method for isolation.
 
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