

If the light is on, either switch can turn it off. These two wires create their own internal circuit so that if a light is off, either switch can turn it on. However, they have two special wires that connect to each other, called travellers. Three-way switches are connected to a hot wire from the electric panel and a wire that connects to the light. Three-way switches are connected to a hot wire from the electric panel and a wire that connects to the light. That gives both of them the chance to interrupt the flow, or re-start the flow of electricity. In order to be able to turn a light on or off from different points in the same room, BOTH switches must be three-way switches. Three-way and four-way switches make it possible to control a light from multiple locations, such as the top and bottom of a stairway, either end of a long. Each one of them has the power to interrupt the electrical flow and turn the light off from a different part of the room. The three-way switch is used in conjunction with another three-way switch. Much like the two-way switch, a three-way switch turns a light on or off. When you turn it off, you have interrupted the flow. A dimmer switch controls a light's intensity. These control a light from two or three switch locations, such as at the top and bottom of a stairwell, at either end of a hallway, or in a large room with multiple entrances. In essence, when you turn the light on, you are completing a circuit, so the electricity is flowing to the light. A three-way switch has three terminals a four-way has four. There is one place to turn the light on or off. This is the kind of switch you have in many rooms. What does a two-way switch do?Ĭhances are, when you think of a light switch, the one you are thinking of is a typical two-way switch. It seems a pretty simple concept.īut if you are designing a new space, or upgrading an older electrical system, you might find yourself answering questions and deciding between a two-way or a three-way switch. As such, for ease, most electricians and architects often only specify or fit 2 way switches. The cost difference between 1 way and 2 way switches in minimal and a 2 way switch can operate readily as a 1 way switch. Light switches are just light switches, right? You flick it or click it or turn it and the light comes on, and maybe a fan spins to life. A 2 way switch enables you therefore to have 2 switches controlling the operation of one light.
