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Types of Switches and Uses

This document describes different types of switches and their applications. A single-pole switch controls a light or device from one location. A three-way switch controls a light from two locations. A four-way switch allows control of a light from more than two locations by being installed between two three-way switches. Each switch type has a different number of terminals and wiring configuration to perform its designated switching function.

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218 views13 pages

Types of Switches and Uses

This document describes different types of switches and their applications. A single-pole switch controls a light or device from one location. A three-way switch controls a light from two locations. A four-way switch allows control of a light from more than two locations by being installed between two three-way switches. Each switch type has a different number of terminals and wiring configuration to perform its designated switching function.

Uploaded by

c6341408
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Types of

switches and
application
 Single-pole switches activate a light or lights,
from only one location.

 Three-way switches activate a light or lights


from two locations.

 Four-way switches activate a light or lights from


more than two locations.
Single-Pole Switch

The single-pole switch is the


general-purpose workhorse of
switches. It is used to control a
light, receptacle, or another device
from a single location. A
characteristic feature of a single-
pole toggle switch is that it has ON
and OFF markings on the toggle.
This is something you will not find
on three-way or four-way switches.
A single-pole switch has two
brass-colored screw terminals
and is wired to the "hot"
(current-carrying) wire, which
is usually black. One brass
terminal is for the incoming
hot wire, and the other is for
the outgoing hot wire to the
device. Most single-pole
switches also include a ground
terminal for connecting the
circuit's ground wire.
Single pole light switch diagram with the
switch before the light in the circuit run.
Single pole switch using for one location and controlled two bulbs
Three-way switches

Three-way switches are always


used in pairs and allow you to
control a light or receptacle
from two different locations.
These switches have no ON or
OFF markings because the on
and off positions will vary as
the switches are used.
The three-way switch has
three terminal screws. The
hot wire from the power
source connects to the
darkest screw terminal
marked "COM" for "common."
The other two terminals are
called "travelers" and are
interchangeable. The switch
also has a ground terminal.
Three-way switches are a little confusing at first, but after
you look at the diagram and think it through, it’ll make
perfect sense.
3-way switch using for two location and controlled two bulbs.
Four-Way Switch
Four-way switch is used in between
two three-way switches to provide
control for an outlet or light fixture
from three or more different
locations. If you want to have
control from more than three
locations—say five locations—you
would still use two three-way
switches (one on each end) and
three four-way switches in between
the two three-ways.
The four-way switch looks
similar to a double-pole switch,
except it has no ON or OFF
markings. It has four terminals
(plus a ground), usually brass-
colored. There is no "COM" or
"common" terminal, as in a
three-way switch. The four-way
switch functions as a switching
device for the traveler wires
between the three-way
switches.
Four-way switches sound confusing, but they are quite simple.
Just remember this one thing: four-way switches are always between
three-way switches.

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