2 brass terminals for the 2 traveler wires and 1 common black terminal for the common wire. Most common is the single pole switch the type used to control a light fixture from a single locationthe next most common is the three way switch which is commonly used to control a light fixture from two different locations.
Understanding Three Way Wall Switches
How does a 3 way switch work. These are called single pole light switches and they can turn on or off a light fixture from a single location. For example a long hallway or stairway might use a pair of three way. I must add no it doesnt meet accepted code requirements. Is constantly hot garage light controlled by 2 switches in house and garage. When the switch is on current flows along the black wire through the switch to the light and then returns to ground through the white wire to complete the circuit. If you have ever wondered how this arrangement works and how each switch knows what the other switch is doing then read on.
How a light switch works. 3 conductors connected garage to house where opposite 3 way switch is located. The switch simply opens off or closes on the connection between the two terminals on the switch. Wall switches used to control ceiling light fixtures or other fixtures come in three types. A 3 way switch circuit is always comprised of two 3 way switches that control lights or devices from two different locations. Before explaining how three way light switches work its important to know how a regular light switch works.
Using only existing 3 conductors how does this work. In this article we will solve the mystery of three way switches. 3 way switch a 3 way switch has 3 terminals.