Learn about a three way switch. Ken a homeowner from toronto ontario.
3 Way Wiring Ceiling Fan With Remote For Two Wire Hookup
What is 3 way switch. A three way light switch is different than a traditional single pole light switch as it contains an extra screw to connect an extra wire. 3 way is the electricians designation for a single pole double throw spdt switch. You probably have at least one light that is controlled by two separate switches either switch can turn it on or off. These switches do not have an onoff position like single pole switches. The three way switch is a variation of the standard single pole switch which controls a light only from one location. The two hot wires of three wire cable connect to a pair of brass colored traveler terminals on each switch.
A properly functioning 3 way switch would be an added bonus. This 3 way switch wiring diagram shows how to wire the switches and the light when the power is coming to the light switch. The diagrams below show the conventional wiring for 3 way switches. A light or lights can be controlled by more than one switch. There are no onoff markings on the switch toggle. There are three screw terminals on the body of the switch in addition to the green grounding.
This is known as the common screw and its usually black instead of brass or silver. In this arrangement the source for the circuit is at the light fixture which is located in the middle of the circuit. Originally the upstairs switch controlled the fixture and the downstairs switch controlled the fixture only when the upstairs switch was on. Slide your mouse over it to see it change state requires javascript enabled. There are two clear giveaways that identify a switch as being a three way type. A third type is the four way switch which is used in conjunction with two three way switches to control lighting from more than two locations.
It is important to understand how these are wired before attempting to troubleshoot or replace. A 3 way switch is shown below. Another dead giveaway of a three way switch is the absence of on and off markings. 3 way switches are used to control lights with two switches. Three way switch wiring source in middle. 3 wire cable runs to the switches on each side of the light.
The usual practice in home construction is to use 3 way switches. This electrical question came from. Such markings are not needed with this type of switch as they are. In this diagram the incoming hot wire attaches to the first switchs common dark colored terminal. I just need to get the fixture working again. This configuration may be used in open plan homes or in large kitchens or great rooms where a central bank of lighting fixtures might be controlled from more than two entry points.
Gallery of What Is 3 Way Switch
