A 3 way switch is shown below. This is known as the common screw and its usually black instead of brass or silver.
Troubleshoot A 3 Way Switch
What is a 3 way light switch. If you have ever wondered how this arrangement works and how each switch knows what the other switch is doing then read on. 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. The most common household switch a single pole has two terminals and simply turns power on or off. A three way wall switch is a common type of light switch that makes it possible to control a ceiling light or other electrical fixture from two different locations in a room. In a hallway or large room for example installing three way switches at both ends lets you turn the light fixture on or off from both locations. In this article we will solve the mystery of three way switches.
It is important to understand how these are wired before attempting to troubleshoot or replace. Theres a dark colored terminal named com in 3 way switches. The usual practice in home construction is to use 3 way switches. Another dead giveaway of a three way switch is the absence of on and off markings. The next most common is the three way switch which is commonly used to control a light fixture from two different locations. Keep reading and learn how to wire a light switch.
Most common is the single pole switch the type used to control a light fixture from a single location. The three way switch comes with three terminal screws and one ground wire screw. For example a long hallway or stairway might use a pair of three way switches at each end so that lights can be turned on when approaching one end of the hall or stairway then shut off from the other end. These switches do not have an onoff position like single pole switches. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. Slide your mouse over it to see it change state requires javascript enabled.
A light or lights can be controlled by more than one switch. The whole wiring a light switch project can be completed in a few hours if you dont have to do any drywall removal and repair. 3 way switches are used to control lights with two switches. The remaining two terminals are called as interchangeable and travelers. A four way has four. Whenever you flip either one of the switches the light changes its state if it is on it turns off and if it is off it turns on.
These control a light from two or three switch locations such as at the top and bottom of a stairwell at either end of a hallway or in a large room with multiple entrances. A three way switch has three terminals. 3 way is the electricians designation for a single pole double throw spdt switch. The diagrams below show the conventional wiring for 3 way switches. In total it has 4 terminal screws.
Gallery of What Is A 3 Way Light Switch
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