answersLogoWhite

0

What is a 3 way switch?

Updated: 10/26/2022
User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

Best Answer

A three way switch is a switch that is used in a lighting circuit that allows the light fixture to be turned on from three separate locations within the building. In electrical terminology this switch is also referred to as a SPST, Single Pole Single Throw switch. The switch has three individual terminals of which two are always connected. These switches are usually located at the far extremes of the circuit with an intermediate switch between them. This intermediate switch is referred to an a four way switch.

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is a 3 way switch?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What is a Chicago 3-way?

A Chicago 3-way typically refers to a hot dog topped with mustard, onions, and sport peppers. This combination is a popular way to enjoy a classic Chicago-style hot dog.


What way is Chicago?

A 3 way switch wired ---- , but works A 3 way switch wired not to code ---- , but works A 3 way switch wired not to code but it works


Can a 4 way switch be used in place of a 3 way switch?

No a 3-way is a single pole double throw. A four way switch swaps travelers.


Can you replace a 3 way light switch with a standard switch and cap off the wires or can you use the 3 way switch and make it into a standard switch?

YES


How can you tell if the switch that you have is a 3 way or not?

3 way switches have 3 terminals. A common on and off switch only has 2.


What is the eletrical symbol for a three way switch?

If you have the symbol for a regular switch, a 3-way switch is the same symbol with a '3' next to it like a subscript.


How do you wire a 3-way dimmer and switch it in 3 locations?

One 3-way dimmer switch, one regular 3-way switch and one 4-way switch. The 4-way is wired between the two pairs of travelers from the other two switches. The common on the dimmer is tied to either the light or to the branch hot and the common on the other 3-way is tied to whichever is left (hot or the light).


What is a 3 gang 2 way switch?

3 gang means 3 individual switches in the same single unit. 2 way means each switch can be on or off.


How do you wire a timer switch to a 3 way light switch?

First you need to decide what you are trying to accomplish. You can wire the Timer switch in series with or parallel to the 3-way switches. If in series then the 3-way switch function would depend on the timer state. If the Timer switch was ON then the 3-way switch could turn the connected device ON or OFF from either location. If the Timer switch were OFF the device would be OFF no matter what you did with 3-way switches. To wire in this fashion put the timer between the supply and the input to the switches. If the Timer is in parallel then if the Timer is ON it doesn't matter what you do with the 3-way switch, the device will be ON as long as the Timer is ON. If the Timer is OFF then the 3-way switches will work in their normal fashion. To wire in parallel connect the supply to one side of the Timer and the device to the other.


Does a double-pole switch control lights from two locations?

No. A double pole switch would be a switch that switches 2 different loads simultaneously. 3-way switches (and 4-way switches if more than 2 are used) are what are used for controlling a light from multiple locations. While a typical single pole switch simply opens or closes a single contact, a 3-way switch provides a path from a contact point to, let's say, point A or point B. Points A and B from the first 3-way switch are connected to points A and B of the second 3-way switch and then the common contact point of the second switch is connected to your light. When more than 2 switches are desired, you can use any number of 4-way switches between the 3-way switches, but the 3-way switches MUST be on the ends of the circuit.


How many terminals does a two way switch have?

3


Can spst switches be wired as a 3 way switch?

No.