The switch will be the same type thtat is there now. It might be a SPST if that is the only switch that controls. Or a SPDT if part of a 3way or 3way/4way switching.

But yes the brass link needs to be broken if you have one 1/2 switched and 1/2 always on.

http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Split_Receptacle-Electrical-1-T7835.html#7835

thank you for the info. unfortunately i had thrown out the old and had paid no attention to type of switch. there are actually 3 switches in the one junction box. 1 for porch 1 for foyer 1 for outlet. replaced all with single pole switches and now only the porch light works. i shall now try 3 way switches for all three switches.

A standard switch will have 2 wires connecting to it. Plus it might have a ground wire (bare or green) depending on the age of the wiring.

A 3 way will have 3 wires. And a 4 way 4 wires.

Don't use a 3way where there are only 2 wires. It will be confusing to the next person. And if not connected correctly it won't work at all.

In most cases the outside light will only be a SPST. The foyer most likely will also be SPST, unless there is more that one entrace into a big foyer and it has switches at more than one enterance.

The living room switch can be a 3way if there are other entrances into the room with switches controlling the receptacel.

If you have any that might be 3way/4way then give me a list of the wires that connect to that switch. If the wiring is in conduit or sheathed electrical cable or bx. And the number of wires and colors in each conduit or cable and what colors connect to each other and what to the switches.

thanks again Billhart. you explained it very well and now it is all very obvious. everything works.