toggle switches; single pole vs double pole?

[Bundy]

what is a single pole toggle switch compared to a double pole toggle switch?

is it the way it's wired or some sort of internal difference within the switching unit?

 

[Viperwolf1]

A single pole switch (or relay) can open or close one circuit only (2 wires). A two pole switch can open or close two independant circuits at the same time (2 sets of wire pairs). It's like having two switches built into one. The difference is internal.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Wiki is a good source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switch
I can't say that I can explain it any better with words then the above.

 

[Bundy]

hahaha, i depend on Viperwolf for too many things... where do i send an Xmas card and beer Viperwolf?

 

[Viperwolf1]

It's too cold here to drink beer! How about just contributing to global warming for me? It's +7* right now.

 

[Bundy]

done and done... i won't carpool for a week!