An electric switch having three terminals used to control a circuit from two different points. Usually the common wire is wrapped around the traveler wires for identification in the 3 way light switch electrical boxes.
Three Way Lights How Three Way Switches Work Howstuffworks
Three way switch definition. By correctly connecting two of these switches together toggling either switch changes the state of the load from off to on or vice versa. For example a long hallway or stairway might use a pair of three way switches at each end so that lights can be turned on when approaching one end of the hall or stairway then shut off from the other end. Often found in stairwells or long hallways three way switches mean you dont have to walk in the dark to find a switch. Ground connection is not shown in these diagrams. Used to control a circuit from two different locations. The next most common is the three way switch which is commonly used to control a light fixture from two different locations.
Electrically a typical 3 way switch is a single pole double throw spdt switch. Because its always paired with a second switch its toggle is not marked on or off. This requires a special switch. Three way switch an electric switch that has three terminals. The pair of travelers on one switch connect to the pair of travelers on the other switch. How to pronounce three way switch.
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. Definition of three way switch. Three way switches have three terminals in addition to a ground terminal and can control one fixture from two locations. A type of light switch which can be arranged in pairs to control lights from two locations as at either end of a stairway or long hallway. Three way switch noun a type of light switch which can be arranged in pairs to control lights from two locations as at either end of a stairway or long hallway. The 3 way switch was originally developed to allow users to control a light from two different locations.
Named after its three electrical connections as opposed to a normal light switchs two. A three way wall switch is a common type of light switch that makes it possible to control a ceiling light or other electrical fixture from two different locations in a room. 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. In a hallway or large room for example installing three way switches at both ends lets you turn the light fixture on or off from both locations.