What is a double pole switch used for?

Answer by  LeheckaG (1826)

Your electician probably meant either: single-pole "double-throw" (SPDT/"three-way") or double-pole double-throw (DPDT/"four-way") switches? Which are used to switch lights on and off from two or three locations. Douple-pole single-throw (DPST) switches are used for either 240-volt loads (like heaters, ...) or in the rare instances where electrical neutrals also need to be disconnected simultaneously along with the hot/live-wire.

Answer by  Mollichella (445)

You would use a double pole switch if you have too many light fixtures in one room. If a circuit can't handle all the lighting you need to have a double pole switch to do the job.