Common Electrical Switch Types in Europe: Rockers, Push-Buttons, Toggles, and Smart

European installations (IEC 60669 standards) use these switch types:

• Rocker switches – Most common for lighting; press/rock up/down.
• Push-button switches – Momentary action (doorbells, garage doors, some lighting).
• Toggle switches – Lever flip; legacy installs, fans, appliances.
• Rotary switches – Knob for fan speeds, dimming, multi-position.
• Dimmer switches – Rotary/slide for LED/incandescent dimming.
• Motion/presence sensors – Auto-on/off for halls, baths, exteriors.
• Smart switches – Wi-Fi/Thread/Zigbee; app/voice control, scheduling, energy monitoring.
• RCDs (RCCBs/RCBOs) – Mandatory residual-current protection (30 mA) on sockets, wet areas.

National variants exist (UK: BS 1363 square-pin plates; Germany: DIN 49073 round). Always follow local wiring codes.