

For clarity, check out the illustrations below. The other two wires can attach to either of the paired terminals.

Thus, you can use a 3 way system to control an appliance from two different location which is not possible in a 2-way system.
#3 way switch vs 2 way switch plus#
The light-colored terminals are the traveler terminals and are interchangeable. A more positive way to identify a 3-way switch is to look at the body of the switch and count the number of screw terminals: a 3-way switch has three terminal screws plus a ground screw. These switches have two light-colored terminals and one dark-colored terminal, plus a ground screw. A 2-way switch uses only one SPDT while a 3-way switch uses two SPDTs. Color-coding on three-way switches is very important. To do this, put a piece of tape on the wire that goes to the “common” (third) terminal screw. 2-way and 3-way uses the same type of SPDT switch but the number of switches used is different in the systems. When replacing an existing three-way light switch, be sure to return the wires to the proper screw terminals. The green screw at the bottom end is for attaching the ground (green or bare) wire. Some devices may have a slot in back where the wires will be. Next, make sure the wire with the open end is facing in the rotation of the screw when tightening, so that it will wrap around the screw. For example, the switch shown below has one silver and one gold screw opposite one another and a bronze screw in the third position. When wiring a 3-way switch, first screw the terminal screws of the new switch until they are difficult to turn. Unfortunately, they are not standardized. A three-way switch is larger than a single pole switch and has three screw terminals for separate wiring connections and a ground connection. Not all three-way switches have these terminals placed in the same configuration, so you have to pay attention to the terminal screw colors (and the instructions that come with the package) when wiring a 3-way switch (or a pair of them). On most 3-way switches, two of the terminals are the same color (typically silver or brass), and the third terminal, called a “common terminal,” is a different, often darker, color. The pair of wires connecting the two switches (4-Way & 3-Way) are known as travelers. In position two, the switch cross connects the contacts on the left with the contacts on the right, in an 'X' connection. In the first position, the contacts are connected straight through, so that the switch has no effect. North America US: It is known as the 4-Way Switch or Crossover Switch. For more than two switches, one or more 4-way switches are added between the 3-way switches. Smart Devices Protect Your Home During Power Outages & Surges There is no difference between 4-way switch (NEC) and 3-Way switch IEC e.g.
#3 way switch vs 2 way switch how to#
Four-Way Switch Wiring | How to Wire a 4-Way Switch.
