The diagrams below show the conventional wiring for 3 way switches. 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.
Multiway Switching Wikipedia
3 way switch meaning. Three way switch an electric switch that has three terminals. The 3 way switch was originally developed to allow users to control a light from two different locations. This is known as the common screw and its usually black instead of brass or silver. How 3 way and 4 way switch circuits work controlling a light with two or more switches. 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. Controlling a light with three or more switches.
The three way switch is a variation of the standard single pole switch which controls a light only from one location. There are no onoff markings on the switch toggle. If there are other switches on the same circuit these must be 4 way switches. These switches do not have an onoff position like single pole switches. This requires a special switch. An electric switch having three terminals used to control a circuit from two different points.
There are three screw terminals on the body of the switch in addition to the green grounding. 3 way switches are not used on the same circuits with standard single pole switches. Used to control a circuit from two different locations. 3 way switches are used to control lights with two switches. Definition of three way switch. Electric switch electrical switch switch control consisting of a mechanical or electrical or electronic device for making or breaking or changing the connections in a circuit.
Another dead giveaway of a three way switch is the absence of on and off markings. In other words if a circuit has 3 way switches it always has two of them. 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. There are two clear giveaways that identify a switch as being a three way type. Such markings are not needed with this type of switch as they are. A regular switch has only two connections and simply cuts the flow of electricity through the switch or allows the current to pass through it.
The thing to remember about 3 way switch wiring is that 3 way switches are always used in pairs. This page describes how to use 3 way and 4 way switches to control lights. For more than two switches one or more 4 way switches are added. It is important to understand how these are wired before attempting to troubleshoot or replace.
Gallery of 3 Way Switch Meaning
