3 way switch wiring diagram power at switch

The controlled load is often a lamp, but multiway switching is used to control other electrical loads, such as an electrical outlet, fans, pumps, heaters or other appliances. Readers in most other countries should read 'two-way' or 'SPDT' for the United States 'three-way' and 'intermediate', 'crossover' or 'DPDT' switch for the United States 'four-way'. This article follows usage in the United States. Three-way and four-way switches A double pole, double throw switch wired to act as a four-way (intermediate or crossover) switch In alternative designs, low-voltage relay or electronic controls can be used to switch electrical loads, sometimes without the extra power wires. Double pole, double throw (DPDT) switches allow control from three or more locations. When the load is controlled from only two points, single pole, double throw (SPDT) switches are used. In contrast to a simple light switch, which is a single pole, single throw (SPST) switch, multiway switching uses switches with one or more additional contacts and two or more wires are run between the switches. A common application is in lighting, where it allows the control of lamps from multiple locations, for example in a hallway, stairwell, or large room. In building wiring, multiway switching is the interconnection of two or more electrical switches to control an electrical load from more than one location. JSTOR ( April 2021) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message).Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.įind sources: 'Multiway switching' – news Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. This article needs additional citations for verification.

3 way switch wiring diagram power at switch