Which type of switch is rarely used in residential wiring?

The double-pole switch is rarely used in residential wiring primarily because it is designed for specific applications that require a higher voltage, typically 240 volts. In most residential settings, the standard voltage is 120 volts, which makes the use of a single-pole or three-way switch more common for standard lighting and electrical outlets.

Double-pole switches are more frequently utilized in situations where power needs to be controlled from a single switch source for high-power appliances, such as electric dryers, water heaters, or heating systems. In typical home lighting and circuits, other types of switches, such as single-pole switches for standard circuits or three-way switches for controlling lighting from multiple locations, are much more prevalent. This specialization limits the applicability of double-pole switches in regular home wiring, leading to their rarity in residential applications.