Why is a 3-way switch classified as a single pole switch?

Answer 1

Yes. A center point switches to either one side of the switch or the other. Just use the center and either of the other contacts. Leave one switch terminal unconnected. If you can't figure out which is the center switch point you have a 2 in 3 chance of getting it right and if the switch doesn't work you picked the one wrong choice.

It will still be a single pole but a 3 way will work. I believe you should use the connections that are on the same side. The incoming and the 3 way on the same side. Does that make sense?

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Yes you can, just make the connection between the two screws that are of different colours. When you re-install the switch make sure that the positioning of the switch is, toggle up for on and toggle down for off as there is no dot on the toggle handle to let you know the on position.

Answer 2

If you have 3 way switches there are two controlling the light/lights. you'll have to eliminate the (1) 3 way & that will depend on how it's wired. Generally the power or line comes to the black or bronze screw of one & the black to the light from the other switch. If the one 3 way box only has (1) 3 wire cable in it it's called a loop & you just need to change the wires @ the other box. One of the black wires is the power & the other goes to the light. You'll just not use the 3 wire cable. A single pole has 2 terminals, the line can go on either one but normally you put the line on the bottom screw & the other to the light on the top screw, ( top of switch shows on when switch is up, off when down)

If you have the 2 wire line in one box & the other box has the 2 wire cable to the light then you'll have pick which box you want the switch in & wire accordingly.

If box 1 has the line & box 2 has the wire to the light & you want the switch in box 1 then you hook the black line wire to the bottom screw, the black or red of the 3 wire cable to the top screw. In box 2 you hook the the black to the light & the black or red together with a wire nut & cover that box with a blank cover

If you want box 2 with the switch the you need to hook the line to the black or red & wire nut it box 1. In box 2 the black or red goes to the bottom & the black to the light goes to the top

There are other options as well

Answer 3

3 way is slang term for single pole double throw

when they say combination its generally 2 switches or switch and receptacle

in duplex receptale cover

so this on may have a spst and spdt that fit in the box

Answer 4

A three way switch can be used as a single pole switch by using the common terminal, usually identified by a different coloured screw and either one of the other two screw terminals. The common terminal is usually painted black. Make sure that when you re install the switch, that the toggle handle works in the correct position. Up for on and down for off.

Answer 5

The name "3-way switch" is very commonly used but it is wrong. It is actually a "3-terminal switch".

The correct technical term for it is a a "single pole, double throw" switch.

Answer 6

A single pole switch would have a hot wire from the source, a switch leg going to the load, and a ground wire to ground the switch for your safety.