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What does the three in a three-way switch refer to?
: an electric switch having three terminals used to control a circuit from two different points.
Which wires go on a 3-way switch?
Two different types of wire cables are used in wiring a standard 3-way switch, most often 14/2 cable and 14/3 cable. The 14 stands for the gauge of wire (rated for 15-amp circuits) and the following number, 2 or 3, represents the number of conductor wires in the cable.
Can you have a 3-way light switch?
A light or lights can be controlled by more than one switch. The usual practice in home construction is to use 3-way switches. “3-way” is the electrician’s designation for a single pole double throw (SPDT) switch. The switches must create a complete circuit for current to flow and the bulb to light.
What does the number of Poles on a switch mean?
The term “pole” describes the number of separate circuits controlled by a switch; it is the input or common terminal. The number of circuits controlled determines the number of switch contacts, which in turn determines the poles needed to make or break the contacts.
What do the symbols on electrical switches mean?
By default, most switches are intended for use on solid copper or copper-clad aluminum wire (CU is the chemical symbol for copper). If a switch is not rated for “Solid Copper” or “CU-Clad,” it may have the label “CO/ALR.” This indicates the switch is approved for use with either copper or aluminum wiring.
How is the angle of a rotary switch determined?
Note that, in the image, the switch is connected to three separate circuits and has three contacts. For more information on poles and throws click here. Measured in degrees, the angular distance between positions determines the number of switch positions. For example, a 4-position rotary switch has a 90° angle of throw.
Why are there different labels on electrical switches?
All electrical switches have different labels stamped onto the metal strap or imprinted on the plastic body of the switch. These markings allow you to make sure that you are using the right switch for the circuit and application.