3 and 4 way switching
SINGLE POLE SWITCHES EXPLAINED
A single-pole switch is the most common type of wall switch. It has ON-OFF markings on the switch lever and is used to control a set of lights, an appliance, or a receptacle from a single location. A single-pole switch has two screw terminals and a grounding screw. When installing a single-pole switch, check to make sure the ON marking shows when the switch is in the ON position. In a correctly wired single-pole switch, a hot circuit is attached to each screw terminal. However, the colour and number of wires inside the switch box will vary depending on the switch’s location along the electrical circuit.
A single-pole switch essentially allows power to flow to the device when in the ON position and causes an interruption of the power to the device in the OFF position. Single-pole switches are the simplest form of switch.
3 WAY SWITCHES EXPLAINED
3-way switches have three screw terminals and do not have ON-OFF markings. 3-way switches are always installed in pairs and are used to control a set of lights from two locations. One of the screw terminals on a 3-way switch is darker than the others. This screw is the common screw terminal. The position of the common screw will vary depending on the manufacturer. The two lighter-coloured screw terminals are called traveller terminals. The traveller screw terminals are interchangeable
4-WAY SWITCHES EXPLAINED
4-way switches have four screw terminals and do not have ON-OFF markings. 4-way switches are always installed between a pair of 3-way switches. This switch combination makes it possible to control a set of lights from three or more locations. 4-way switches are common in homes where large rooms contain multiple living areas, such as a kitchen opening into a dining room.
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