ask the electrician
Electrician Training Electrical Certification wiring recessed light fixtures Electrical Wiring Electrical Troubleshooting and Electrical Repairs wire outdoor light fixture Home Electrical Wiring Diagrams
wiring home generator and transfer switch wiring a 220 volt range cord outlet Wiring for GFCI Outlets Wiring Outlets and a Switched Outlet Wiring and Installing Ceiling Fans and Remote Controls wire dimmer switch wiring diagrams for switches wiring a dryer cord and 220 outlet circuit breaker panel
Electrical Wire and Cable


Why is it Called 3-Way Switch

Why is a 3-way switch so named when it only operates from two locations?

© By:

Electrical Wiring Video

How to Wire a 3Way and 4Way Light Switches

CLICK OR TAP ON THE VIDEO, OR THE LINK BELOW TO PLAY THIS YOUTUBE VIDEO

How to Wire a 3Way and 4Way Light Switches

Check out my YouTube Channel:
AskTheElectrician - Electrical Tips and Be Sure to Subscribe!

Electrical Question from Bill about 3-Way Switch Wiring
Background: Bill, a Electrician from Tulsa, OK

[ad#block]Question: Why is a 3-way switch so named when it only operates from two locations?

Thanks,
Bill

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Bill.
Three Way Switches

Bill, the original title:  “Three Way Switch”  has to do with the original identification of how the wiring was brought into the configuration when 3-way switches were first developed. Due to creative minds and new wiring techniques we now know that there are several methods to wire two 3-way switches ans still accomplish the same result.

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:
How to Wire a Switch
electrical-switches

Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1

Wiring Diagrams
Fully Explained Light Switch Wiring Diagrams. Detailed Electrical Wiring Diagrams and Pictures assist your Home Electrical Projects.

Wiring Diagrams
Wiring Diagram

Electrical Wiring Diagrams

Articles about Electrical Wiring
Home electrical wiring diagrams are an important tool for completing your electrical projects. An electrical wiring diagram can be as simple as a diagram showing how to install a new switch in your hallway, or as complex as the complete electrical blueprint for your new home or home improvement project.

You identified your project to be about 3 Way Switch Diagram, so you might find this information useful:

3 Way Switch Diagram
3 Way Switch Diagram

3 Way Switch Diagram

In response to the requests for this information, I have developed a comprehensive,step-by-step guide designed to walk you through the identification and wiring of your 3-way switches.




The following may also be helpful for you:


electrical wiring book

A Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Be sure to get your copy of my BIG Book:
Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians
Includes:
Home Electrical Wiring - Room by Room
120 Volt Circuits
240 Volt Circuits
Multi-Wired Circuits
Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Electrical Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.



Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.


More about: Switch


Smart Light Switch Wire Connections
Humidity and Electrical Switches and Wire Splices
The Key to 4 Way Switch Wiring
Wiring a Up Down Switch for a Electric Projector Screen
Fix Light Fixture and Switch Wiring Problems
Wire a Switched Outlet to Control a Lamp
Replacing a 3Way Switch with a Time Switch
Wire a Disconnect Switch for a Tankless Water Heater




More articles about 3-Way Switch, Lighting and Home Electrical Wiring:

« Previous Next »

DIY Electrical Wiring Article Resource

Why Does My Ceiling Fan Switch Off