Final answer:
Double-pole switches are used to control 240-volt circuits for large household appliances and provide an added safety layer by disconnecting both the live and neutral wires.
Step-by-step explanation:
Double-pole switches are electrical switches designed with two separate circuits that allow them to control two different devices simultaneously.
They are commonly used to control 240-volt circuits, which are typically found in larger household appliances such as dryers, ovens, and central air conditioning systems.
A double-pole switch can turn off both live wires leading to the appliance, ensuring that it is completely disconnected from the power source for safety and maintenance purposes. Unlike single-pole switches, which only break a single circuit, double-pole switches provide an added layer of safety by shutting off both the live (hot) and neutral wires, preventing any possible current from continuing to flow to the appliance.