9

Technology and
Livelihood Education
Electrical Installation and
Maintenance
Quarter 4 – Module 2:
3 Way Switch and 4 Way Switch
Wiring
TLE – Grade 9
Quarter 4 – Module 2: 3 Way Switch and 4 Way Switch Wiring
First Edition, 2020

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work
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Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from
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ownership over them.

Published by the Department of Education

Development Team of the Module

Writer:Ruth Eliezer Alcazar
Editor:Rey D. Jamison
Reviewer: Alpha DS. Palconit, Rey D. Jamison
Illustrator: References
Layout Artist:Ruth Eliezer Alcazar
Management Team:
Josephine L. Fadul – Schools Division Superintendent
Melanie P. Estacio - Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
Christine C. Bagacay – Chief – Curriculum Implementation Division
Alpha DS Palconit – Education Program Supervisor – EPP/TLE
Lorna C. Ragos - Education Program Supervisor
Learning Resources Management

Inilimbag sa Pilipinas ng __________________________________________

Department of Education – Region XI

Office Address: F. Torres St., Davao City

Telefax: (082) 291-1665; (082) 221-6147

E-mail Address: [email protected] * [email protected]

 9
Technology and
Livelihood Education
Electrical Installation and
Maintenance
Quarter 4 – Module 2:
3 Way Switch and Intermediate
Switch Wiring
Introductory Message
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our
dear learners, can continue your studies and learn while at
home. Activities, questions, directions, exercises, and
discussions are carefully stated for you to understand each
lesson.
Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide
you step-by-step as you discover and understand the lesson
prepared for you.
Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on
lessons in each SLM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on
completing this module or if you need to ask your facilitator or
your teacher’s assistance for better understanding of the lesson.
At the end of each module, you need to answer the post-test to
self-check your learning. Answer keys are provided for each
activity and test. We trust that you will be honest in using these.
In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher
are also provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and
reminders on how they can best help you on your home-based
learning.
Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks
on any part of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in
answering the exercises and tests. And read the instructions
carefully before performing each task.
If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in
answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult
your teacher or facilitator.
Thank you.

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 Let Us Learn!

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you
master how to use different kind of sentences particularly declarative and interrogative
sentences. The scope of this module permits it to be used in many different learning
situations. The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The
lessons are also arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course. But the order in
which you read them can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now
using.

This module has one lesson:

Lesson 2- 3-Way and Intermediate Switch Wiring

After going through this module, you are expected to:

 Identify the different uses of single pole switch
 Sketch a diagram using single pole switch

3
 Lesson
3 Way Switch and
2 Intermediate Switch Wiring

Let Us Try!

Hello! I hope you are having a good day. Before proceeding to Lesson 1, try to read
and answer the activity below first.

Identification: Identify the type of electrical symbols.

1. Switch that controls two separate circuits.

2. Switch that controls just one circuit.

3. An electric switch having three terminals used to control a circuit from two
different points.

4. Common return path for electric current, or a direct physical connection to the
earth.

5. If a set of electrical bulbs are to be connected in series or parallel configuration,

in which configuration does the bulbs glow brighter:

6. Street Lights are connected in which of the following configuration:

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 Let Us Study

Two Way Switching/ 3 Way Switch Wiring

Two way switching connection is used to control electrical appliances and equipment
like fan, lighting points etc from different places by using 2-way switches. The most
common use of 2-way switching connection is staircase wiring where a light point can be
controlled from two, three or even many locations. No matter what is the current
position of two way switch (ON or OFF), the connected appliance like bulb can be switch
ON / OFF by pressing the button.

https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2012/11/how-to-control-one-lamp-from-
three.html

Applications of 2-Way Switching

 It is used to control electrical equipment and appliances from two, three or even
more different locations by adding more intermediate switches.
 It is also used in staircase wiring connection where a light point can be control
from two or more different places.
 It is used in large area rooms having two or more entry and exit doors and
gates.
 The main purpose of 2-way switching is to control an AC or DC electrical
appliance, device or equipment especially light points from two places.

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Two Way Switch or Three Way Switch:

“Three-way” is the North American (USA) term for this type of switch used in the
following tutorial. Most English-speaking countries (UK/EU) call them “two-way”. The
term for the pair of wires connecting the two switches also varies: “strappers” to the
British and “travelers” to the US.

How Three-Way Switches Work

A normal switch has two terminals that are either connected or disconnected. A three-
way switch has three terminals, and the switch connects the first terminal to either the
second or the third terminal, as shown here:

In a normal switch, the two terminals are either connected (as shown) or
disconnected. When they are connected, the switch is "on." In a three-way switch, the
top terminal connects to one or the other of the bottom two terminals.

https://home.howstuffworks.com/three-way2.htm

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 Assume that, with the switch up, terminals 0 and 3 are connected as shown above. If
the switch is down, then terminals 1 and 3 are connected. You can see (if you trace
through the wires and the switches) that in the previous figure, the light is off. You can
also see that if you flip either switch, the light will turn on. And if you flip either switch
again, the light will turn off. It is actually a very simple arrangement once you see it all
exposed like this!

https://home.howstuffworks.com/three-way2.htm

It’s important to recognize that a light switch is designed to interrupt the “hot” wire
when it’s turned off.

With this in mind, the white wire from the power source always goes uninterrupted to
the light fixture and the bare grounding wires are always fastened to grounding screws.
But the “hot” or “charged” wire coming from the power source is routed through the
switches.

2-way Switch Wiring using Two-wire control

https://circuitdigest.com/electronic-circuits/2-way-switch-working-connection-diagram-and-demonstration

7
The condition of getting Output in ON condition is the same as the Ex-nor gate truth
table which is given below:

Switch 1 Switch 2 Lamp state

0 0 1

0 1 0

1 0 0

1 1 1

(Where, 0 represents the OFF condition and 1 represents the ON condition.)

As you see in the 2 way switch diagram b, you will find that the phase/live is
connected with the common of the first 2-way switch. PIN1 & PIN2 of the first switch
are connected with the PIN1 & PIN2 of the second switch respectively. One end of the
bulb is connected with the Common Terminal of the second switch and another end of
the Bulb is connected with the Neutral line of the AC power supply.

2-way Switch Wiring using Three-wire control

https://circuitdigest.com/electronic-circuits/2-way-switch-working-connection-diagram-and-demonstration

8
The condition of getting Output in ON condition is the same as the Ex-or gate truth table
which is given below:

Switch
Switch 2 Lamp state
1

0 0 0

0 1 1

1 0 1

1 1 0

(Where 0 represents the OFF condition and 1 represents the ON condition.)

Conventional 3-Way Switch Wiring Configuration

All of the switches shown below are 3-way. 3-way switches have three terminals, one
common (usually black color) and one pair of travelers (usually brass color).
With conventional wiring, the common wire from one switch connects to line, the
common wire from the other switch connects to the load (lights). The pair of travelers on
one switch connect to the pair of travelers on the other switch.
Usually, the common wire is wrapped around the traveler wires for identification in the
3-way light switch electrical boxes. Ground connection is not shown in these diagrams.

Conventional 3-Way Light Switch Diagrams

https://www.electrical101.com/3way-switches.html

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 https://www.electrical101.com/3way-switches.html

Alternate 3-Way Switch Wiring

The alternate 3-way switch wiring configuration (California or West Coast) was used as a
way to wire 3-way switches and be able to supply line voltage to either switch. This
configuration is no longer allowed as the neutral is not present in each switch box.

Conventional 3-way wiring is not very complex. With conventional wiring, the line (line
voltage) connects to the common of one switch, while the load (light) connects to the
common of the other switch. However this alternate wiring configuration could cause
confusion.
Alternate 3-way wiring configuration is described below.
1. The common terminal from each switch is connected together.
2. One traveler from each switch is connected together and to line voltage.
3. The other traveler from each switch is connected together and to the load(s).
It may be difficult to determine which configuration is present in any 3-way wiring
configuration. When replacing a switch, the new switch needs to be connected the exact
same way as the old one. If you have any problems with your 3-way switches, it may be
best to call an electrician.

Alternate 3-Way Switch Wiring Diagrams

Line voltage can be connected to left or right switch

https://www.electrical101.com/3way-switches.html
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https://www.electrical101.com/3way-switches.html

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Troubleshooting Three-Way Switches
Switches are spring loaded to minimize arching and prolong their life. However, a very
small amount of arcing is present when a switch is toggled. A bad switch may not fail
completely; burned contacts may cause intermittent failure. Keep this in mind when
troubleshooting switches. Intermittent failure could make troubleshooting difficult,
especially with 3 and 4-way switches. If one 3-way switch needs to be replaced, the other
one should be replaced too.

Locate a Bad 3-Way Switch

Usually when a 3-way switch fails, lights can be toggled on and off at one switch, but not
the other. If one of the two 3-way switches toggles the light(s) on and off, the other 3-way
switch has probably failed. Follow these steps to find which switch is bad.
1. Toggle each switch until the light come on. Toggle one switch to see if it turns the
light on and off. If it does, it is a good switch. Leave the light on.
2. Toggle the other switch to see if it turns the light on and off. If it does, it is a good
switch and the other is bad.
One of these switches will not turn the light on and off (while the light is on) and that is
the bad switch.
Once you identify the bad switch, follow the steps below to verify it is bad and needs to
be replaced.
Test a 3-Way Switch
1. Turn off power to the switches at the circuit breaker and using a tester, make
sure power is off. Remove the two 3-way switches so you can access the switch
terminals. The wire connections do not have to be removed.
2. Using a continuity tester, check continuity between the common (black) terminal
and each of the traveler terminals (brass colored) of each 3-way switch.
3. There should be continuity between the common terminal and only one of the
traveler terminals. After toggling the switch, there should be continuity between the
common terminal and only the other traveler terminal.
When a 3-way switch fails, there will usually be no continuity between the common
terminal and one (sometimes both) traveler terminals of one of the 3-way switches.

https://www.electrical101.com/3way-switches.html

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Convert 3-Way Switches to Single Pole
To convert a 3-way switch to single pole, one of the traveler wires is removed from the
switch. In order for a 3-way switch to function as a single pole, the wires need to be
connected to the common and one of the traveler terminals. It will not work if the wires
are connected to the two traveler terminals. The other traveler terminal is left
unconnected.
3-way switches can be converted to single pole in several configurations.
1. Single pole switch on line side (left side of diagram), blank cover on load side
(to light).
2. Blank cover on line side, single pole switch on load side
3. Single pole switch on line side, receptacle on load side.
4. Receptacle on line side, single pole switch on load side.
The following diagrams show each wiring configuration. Do not trim wires shorter than
six inches
Conventional 3-Way Switch Diagram

Single Pole Switch on Line Side

https://www.electrical101.com/3way-switches.html

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Intermediate Switch – 4 Way Switch

https://www.lazada.com.ph/products/panasonic-wide-series-4-way-switch-1-2-3-gang-or-device-only-i263679682.html

What is Intermediate Switch

It is a very useful switch with four terminal and commonly used when we need to control
a light point (or any other electrical appliances like fan, alarm, in the middle of stair etc)
from three different places.

https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2012/11/what-is-intermediate-switch-its.html

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Construction & Working of Intermediate Switch

In an intermediate switch, there are four terminals by which it changes the flowing of
electric current from one circuit to another (see fig 1 & 2) and also known as three way
switch. It has the ability to ON and OFF the electric supply by two ways. The four
terminals of intermediate switch construction and its operation are shown in fig below
where the 4 contact points may be known as A, B, C & D. When the switch knob is up,
the terminal contacts of intermediate switch connect terminal A with terminal C and
terminal B with terminal D as shown in fig 1a. On the other hand when knob is down,
terminal A is connected to terminal B and C to D then.

https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2012/11/what-is-intermediate-switch-its.html

In other words, When the knob of the switch is UP, then the vertical contacts are connects in
such a way like AC and BD as shown in fig 1a). And when the knob is DOWN, then the
Horizontal contacts are connected (i.e. AB and CD as shown in fig 1b).

The basic construction and working of Intermediate switch.

https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2012/11/what-is-intermediate-switch-its.html

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Application and Uses of Intermediate Switch

Intermediate switch is mostly used in a hall, big rooms or godown where different lamps
are needed to ON/OFF from different places. Moreover, in a multistory building, the
lamp at ground floor or in car parking shade can be controlled or ON / OFF from any
floor by using intermediate switch circuit.

Controlling Light Point from Three Places using Intermediate Switch

https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2012/11/what-is-intermediate-switch-its.html

Controlling of Lamp from 6 Six Places by Intermediate Switch

https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2012/11/what-is-intermediate-switch-its.html

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How to Troubleshoot Four-Way Switches
Locate a Bad 4-Way Switch

Usually when a 3-way or 4-way switch fails, lights can be toggled on and off on all but
one switch. Any switch that toggles the light(s) on and off is probably working properly.
Follow these steps to find which 3 or 4-way switch is bad.

1. Toggle each switch until the light come on. Toggle the first switch to see if it
turns the light on and off. If it does, it is a good switch. Leave the light on.

2. Toggle the next switch to see if it turns the light on and off. If it does, it is a
good switch. Leave the light on.

Repeat the process for the rest of the switches.

One of these switches will not turn the light on and off (while the light is on) and that is
the bad switch.

Switches are spring loaded to minimize arching and prolong their life. However, a very
small amount of arcing is present when a switch is toggled. A bad switch may not fail
completely, burned contacts may cause intermittent failure. Keep this in mind when
troubleshooting switches. Intermittent failure could make troubleshooting difficult,
especially with 3 and 4-way switches.

The Anatomy a 4-Way Switch

Since there is no on or off position for a 4-way switch, it can be installed with the black
terminals on the top and the brass terminals on the bottom or vice versa.
When the toggle is in one position, the left side black terminal connects to the left side
brass terminal. The right side black terminal connects to the right side brass terminal.
When the toggle is in the other position, the left side black terminal connects to the right
side brass terminal. The right side black terminal connects to the left side brass
terminal.

https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2012/11/what-is-intermediate-switch-its.html

17
 Test a 4-Way Switch
Turn off power to the switches at the circuit breaker and using a tester, make sure
power is off. Remove all of the switches so you can access the switch terminals. The wire
connections do not have to be removed.
 Using a continuity tester
 Check continuity between terminals as shown.
 Actual toggle position can vary with make and model.

https://www.electrical101.com/troubleshoot-4wayswitches.html

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 Let Us Practice

You did great on your first day! Now, let’s try what you have learned. Are you
ready?

A. Draw the actual connection diagram of the given problem of 3-way switch.
Use the box below for this activity. (Use a proper drawing material for this
activity)

Note: Use the proper electrical symbols for this activity.

1. Two Incandescent bulb Controlled by two 3 way switches with 2

convenience outlet.

15 Amp 20Amp

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2. Installing 2 lamps A and C controlled by 23way switches 1 and 3 and a
lamp (B) controlled by a 3-way switch (2) use as single pole switch.

A B C

1 2 3

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3. Installing 5bulbs controlled by 2 3way and 2 4way switch in 4 different
locations.

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 Let Us Practice More

Very good! You made it this far. Let us continue rolling!

Activity 2.1 Independent Practice
A. Draw the schematic diagram of the given single line diagram of different
switches. Use the box below for this activity.

1.

Direction: Single pole switch serves as the master switch 3way switches control bulb
A, B, C, D connected with a Convenience outlet.

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2.

Direction: 3way and 4way controls bulb A and D in 3 different locations while S1
controls bulb B and S2 controls bulb C.

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3.

Direction: 3way switches control bulb A and bulb B and C controlled by single pole
switch

15 Amp 20 Amp

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 Let Us Remember

Awesome! Now, let us gather what we have learned.

A.
Direction: Draw the following diagram on a given circuit

Circuit Descriptions:
Install a circuit with a lamp controlled by 2 3 way switch
 Draw the schematic diagram and actual wiring diagram base on the circuit
description
 On the single line diagram, indicate the number of wire inside the raceway
Schematic Diagram: Single line Diagram:

Actual wiring Diagram:

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 Let Us Assess

It is amazing how you were able to study and answer the activities! Now it is time to try
the fruit of your journey by answering the assessment below.

Identification: Read the statements carefully. Write your answer in the space provided.
1. How many switches do you need to construct a three-way switch circuit?
Ans:_______________________________________________________________

2. What is the wire that carries the current often called?

Ans:_______________________________________________________________

3. How many wires run through in a 3 way switch?

Ans:_______________________________________________________________

4. What is the purpose of a three-way light switch?

Ans:_______________________________________________________________

5. What does the "three" in a three-way switch refer to?

Ans:_______________________________________________________________

6. What must you do before testing electrical wiring?

Ans:_______________________________________________________________

7. What tool can you use to find out how your house is wired?
Ans:_______________________________________________________________

8. If one three-way switch is stuck, what would happen?

Ans:_______________________________________________________________

9. Should three-way switches be wired in series or parallel? Why?

Ans:_______________________________________________________________

Answer key to Activities

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Lesson 2: 3 Way Switch and Intermediate Switch Wiring

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 References

“Three-Way Switches.” Wolfram Demonstrations Project, 2007, doi:10.3840/002155.

Brain, Marshall. "How Three-Way Switches Work." HowStuffWorks. April 01, 2000. Accessed April 26, 2021.
https://home.howstuffworks.com/three-way2.htm.

"Https://kujss.iraqjournals.com/pdf_166170_8dd024058ce4abb6c364bec514cecef8.html." Kirkuk University Journal-

Scientific Studies 15, no. 2 (2020): 1-16. doi:10.32894/kujss.2019.15.2.1.

Yurtoğlu, Nadir. "Http://www.historystudies.net/dergi//birinci-dunya-savasinda-bir-asayis-sorunu-sebinkarahisar-

ermeni-isyani20181092a4a8f.pdf." History Studies International Journal of History 10, no. 7 (2018): 241-64.
doi:10.9737/hist.2018.658.

"Figure 2f From: Tan M, Kamaruddin K (2016) Redescription of the Little-known Grasshopper Willemsella (Acrididae,
Hemiacridinae) from Peninsular Malaysia. Biodiversity Data Journal 4: E7775. Https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.4.e7775."
doi:10.3897/bdj.4.e7775.figure2f.

"Https://kujss.iraqjournals.com/pdf_166170_8dd024058ce4abb6c364bec514cecef8.html." Kirkuk University Journal-

Scientific Studies 15, no. 2 (2020): 1-16. doi:10.32894/kujss.2019.15.2.1.

"Figure 2f From: Irimia R, Gottschling M (2016) Taxonomic Revision of Rochefortia Sw. (Ehretiaceae, Boraginales).
Biodiversity Data Journal 4: E7720. Https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.4.e7720." doi:10.3897/bdj.4.e7720.figure2f.

"Https://kujss.iraqjournals.com/pdf_166170_8dd024058ce4abb6c364bec514cecef8.html." Kirkuk University Journal-

Scientific Studies 15, no. 2 (2020): 1-16. doi:10.32894/kujss.2019.15.2.1.

"Figure 2f From: Heller K, Rulik B (2016) Ctenosciara Alexanderkoenigi Sp. N. (Diptera: Sciaridae), an Exotic Invader in
Germany? Biodiversity Data Journal 4: E6460. Https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.4.e6460."
doi:10.3897/bdj.4.e6460.figure2f.

"Https://kujss.iraqjournals.com/pdf_166170_8dd024058ce4abb6c364bec514cecef8.html." Kirkuk University Journal-

Scientific Studies 15, no. 2 (2020): 1-16. doi:10.32894/kujss.2019.15.2.1.

"Https://kujss.iraqjournals.com/pdf_166170_8dd024058ce4abb6c364bec514cecef8.html." Kirkuk University Journal-

Scientific Studies 15, no. 2 (2020): 1-16. doi:10.32894/kujss.2019.15.2.1.

"Figure 2f From: Irimia R, Gottschling M (2016) Taxonomic Revision of Rochefortia Sw. (Ehretiaceae, Boraginales).
Biodiversity Data Journal 4: E7720. Https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.4.e7720." doi:10.3897/bdj.4.e7720.figure2f.
 Para samgakatanungan o puna, sumulat o tumawagsa:

Department of Education – Region XI (DepEd- XI)

F. Torres St., Davao City

Telefax: (082) 291-1665; (082) 221-6147

Email Address: [email protected] * [email protected]