why is a 3way sw called a 3way not a 2way

[Rewire]

I was told way back when it's becuase 3-ways are basically SPDT switches. And old SPDT switches had three positions, On, Off, and On.

But today, my answer would be, "So you can tell the difference between the amatuers and the pros."

Here is the way it was explained to me.Shut up and put the switch in.

 

[rick boyd]

3 way 4 way "do it my way"

3 way 4 way "do it my way"

So let me get this straight if you have 4 or 5 switches it is called a 3 way? :grin:

Looks like both continents are wacked.

3 switches makes it a 4 way always ad one, it's more expensive you can charge more

electronic guys call it an ["or" gate] one way or the other

 

[rick boyd]

If i'm not mistaken, only America calls it a 3-way, every other country calls it a two way...

great quote, I will use that.
my dad used to say
"I know you think you understand what you thought I said
However, what you heard is not what I meant"

 

[iwire]

Current comes in on one, and out on one of two others. That is a total of three. [/FONT][/SIZE]

Not buying it. :smile:

The switch has two positions plain and simple, go left or right there is no third option.

The Europeans have it right, it's a two way.

But I don't care what we call it as long as those under me wire it correctly.:grin:

 

[quogueelectric]

This can be clearly explained using a phasor diagram. I think.

 

[charlie b]

Not buying it.

Have it your way. :roll:

Just so I am clear, in conveying my viewpoint, I submit that the word “way” is not talking about how many ways you can throw the switch. It’s about pathways. The dictionary on my shelf includes the following definition of “way”: “a path or a course to a place.” It is in this context, I believe, that the word “way” is used in the phrase “three way switch.” There are three wires attached to the switch, not two, so there are three pathways.

This is like the argument I have heard regarding “seat belts.” Someone once said they should be called “lap belts,” not “seat belts,” because they are in contact with the user’s lap, not the user’s seat. I counter that argument by saying the word “seat” is not addressing the user’s seat, but rather the vehicle’s seat. The belt keeps the user in contact with the vehicle’s seat, so the term “seat belt” is appropriate.

The Europeans have it right

No they don’t. They drive on the wrong side of the road, they use 50 hz electricity, and they can’t even speak proper “English”!

 

[Rewire]

Have it your way. :roll:

Just so I am clear, in conveying my viewpoint, I submit that the word ?way? is not talking about how many ways you can throw the switch. It?s about pathways. The dictionary on my shelf includes the following definition of ?way?: ?a path or a course to a place.? It is in this context, I believe, that the word ?way? is used in the phrase ?three way switch.? There are three wires attached to the switch, not two, so there are three pathways.

[ [/SIZE][/FONT]

so a single pole switch is a "two way"?

 

[charlie b]

so a single pole switch is a "two way"?

Yup. Or so it would be, if the word "way" is used in the same context. However, things tend to acquire names that may or may not be consistent with other similarly named things. I don't recall the phrase "two way" being used in this manner, so I don't know if it really is a commonly accepted term for this type of switch.

 

[George Stolz]

If I installed a "three-way switch" on an AC system, would it become a six way?

 

[iwire]

I submit that the word ?way? is not talking about how many ways you can throw the switch. It?s about pathways.

I agree with that.

I have a '3-way switch' I will call it's terminals 1, 2 and 3.

Current can flow either direction from 1 to 2 or from 1 to 3, it can not flow from 2 to 3 under any normal circumstance.

Two paths.

 

[mivey]

I agree with that.

I have a '3-way switch' I will call it's terminals 1, 2 and 3.

Current can flow either direction from 1 to 2 or from 1 to 3, it can not flow from 2 to 3 under any normal circumstance.

Two paths.

OK you want to shoot down charlie's explanation. His explanation, in context, makes perfect sense to me.

How about an alternative? What is your reasoning for it being called a 3-way?

[edit: clarity AND spelling]

 

[mivey]

"I know you think you understand what you thought I said
However, what you heard is not what I meant"

Can I steal that for a signature for a while?

 

[iwire]

What is your reasoning for it being called a 3-way?

I don't know and I can live with that.

 

[wirebender]

I can buy Charlie's way.

On one switch you have one path in and two paths out. On the other you have two paths in and one path out.

On a four way you have two paths in and two paths out.

 

[Smart $]

I agree with that.

I have a '3-way switch' I will call it's terminals 1, 2 and 3.

Current can flow either direction from 1 to 2 or from 1 to 3, it can not flow from 2 to 3 under any normal circumstance.

Two paths.

An Y intersection has three paths. Doesn't matter if "traffic" is limited to two at any one time.

Take for instance a Y-intersection roadway with traffic control that only permits travel to and from 1 and 2, or 1 and 3, and never 2 and 3. Traffic flow does not determine how many paths are involved. It is still three paths. They might even have three different names!

 

[wirebender]

They might even have three different names!

Like:
Meandering Way
Broad Way
Milky Way

Thee Ways!:grin:

 

[bikeindy]

Ok so I am looking at a set of plans the other day and it dawns on me why we call it a three way and I think it may be this simple "S1"= single pole "S2"= two pole "S2"= two way ... scratch that we can't have that on the plans it will not work we need a new designation for a switch from two locations so it becomes "S3" and gets named three way due too its designation with the "3" of course we then need "S4" and it gets named 4 way. and we have architects to blame for it I am sure. I have solved the greatest mystery in electrician history and I am taking credit for it here and now!

Edit: i didn't go to trade school so I may be wrong.....nah I am right.

 

[Smart $]

Like:
Meandering Way
Broad Way
Milky Way

Thee Ways!:grin:

l:grin:l ........

 

[frenchelectrican]

The Europeans have it right, it's a two way.

yeah they call that some case they will call the switch the " points "

No they don’t. They drive on the wrong side of the road, they use 50 hz electricity, and they can’t even speak proper “English”! :wink:

Naw not in France they drive on right side of the road and yes of course they do use 50 HZ system. { i used to live in France so i am famiur with both French and UK drivers }

Merci, Marc

 

[shwazqrt]

3way 2way switch

3way 2way switch

It is not a matter of how many positions the switch can have (i.e., up or down is only two positions). It is a matter of how many ways current can get to the switch, how many paths current can take on its way to the switch. Think of driving down a road, and coming to an intersection at which you have to take either the left fork or the right fork. That is commonly called a ?3-way intersection.?

thanks Charlie b now i can answer that Q ..