What Is A 3 Way Switch Called

Electrically a typical 3 way switch is a single pole double throw spdt switch.

What is a 3 way switch called. Due to creative minds and new wiring techniques we now know that there are several methods to wire two 3 way switches ans still accomplish the same result. There s a dark colored terminal named com in 3 way switches. A four way switch is similar to a three way except it has four terminals plus a ground terminal and controls one fixture from three locations. Three way switch has to do with the original identification of how the wiring was brought into the configuration when 3 way switches were first developed.

In total it has 4 terminal screws. This type of switch must be combined between two three way switches to form a circuit. Four way circuits are just a tad different than three way circuits mostly since the light switch that you add in has to be a four way switch rather than just another three way switch. A four way switch has an extra common screw to bring the total number of screws up to four.

Two common screws and two brass screws not counting the ground screw. All the 4 way switches are optional. Two of the terminals are a light color bronze or copper colored and are called travelers. 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.

While more uncommon this is a good option for large rooms with several entrances. And a two way switch is apt for multi door large rooms stairways and long corridors. The one way switch also called the single pole switch is effective in small rooms and for domestic electrical appliances. The single dark colored screw is known as the common terminal.

The three way switch comes with three terminal screws and one ground wire screw. The remaining two terminals are called as interchangeable and travelers. An easy switch to operate but a little complicated in installation. If you only need two switches leave out both the 4 way switches.

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. Toggling the switch disconnects one traveler terminal and connects the other. Here is an example of a light in the middle of the run. By correctly connecting two of these switches together toggling either switch changes the state of the load from off to on or vice versa.

How does three way switch work. Common scenarios would be 3 way switches located at both the top and bottom of a stairway or having 3 way switches next to doors in a room with two entry points. What is a 3 way switch. You can also add as many 4 way switches as you like in place of any one shown in the circuits that follow.

A 3 way switch is one that allows you to control a ceiling light or other electrical fixture from two separate locations. Here are another couple of variations of 3 and 4 way switch circuits.