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

[dwcaveney]

DELETE

 

[480sparky]

OFF SUBJECT

Why? I've used 3-ways to control power between two loads many times.

 

[electricalperson]

Ok,
We are getting no where here.

A three way switch is a system that controls a load with two switches.
It just so happpens that two components of the switching system are SPDT switches.

A two way switch is also a system that controls a load with two SPDT switches.

Operationally they perform the exact same function, but the are wired differently.

The two-way has two current paths, the three-way has three.

If you can't accept the fact that it takes two SPDT switchs to make a three way and can't understand #65. Then we are done here.
Good Luck

i dont think you know what your talking about. there is no such thing as a two way switch. a 3 way switch is a single pole double throw switch. 3 way switch is just a trade name we use when we go to the store and buy them. you could order a single pole double throw switch but all you would get is a "3way" switch. im not sure where the name 3 way came from, maybe its because it has 3 terminals on it

 

[iwire]

It takes 2 SPDT switches to make one "Three Way Switch"

No a "Three Way Switch" is a switch, as in one device.

I can point to many outside sources to back that up.

Can you provide one outside reference to back up your opinion?

 

[dwcaveney]

So when you go to the supply house and ask for "A 3-way switch", this is what they give you?

YOU CAN ASK FOR WHAT EVER YOU WANT. I pick up what I need to make a three way switch in the house I'm working on.

 

[dwcaveney]

Good Night!

Good Night!

Like I said two hours ago. I got work to do .

See you in Church

 

[electricalperson]

YOU CAN ASK FOR WHAT EVER YOU WANT. I pick up what I need to make a three way switch in the house I'm working on.

so you just buy one single pole double throw switch from home depot?


a 3 way switch contains one common where you put the electricity too. either the feed or the switch leg. the other 2 terminals is where you put the travelers. the switch handle controls the flow of electricity to each of these terminals. this isnt rocket science here

 

[boboelectric]

I thought we agreed old wiring terms from England called wires ways hence 3 wires,3 ways.

 

[iwire]

Like I said two hours ago. I got work to do .

Seeing as your running off I guess the answer is no, you can't link to any outside source to support your view.

 

[electricalperson]

before someone mentioned something about carter 3 ways. they have a wiring diagram in a book i own called old electrical wiring. had to work on a system like this saturday anyone ever read that book?

 

[dwcaveney]

DELETE

 

[480sparky]

Hey you just proved it, one SPDT switch is a 2 way switch.
And that is a FACT

Someone had better tell Cooper, Leviton, Pass & Seymour, GE, Eagle, Slater......

 

[iwire]

Hey you just proved it, one SPDT switch is a 2 way switch.
And that is a FACT

Really? A Fact?

Better tell all these companies that sell SPDT switches and call them 3 ways. :wink:

3-Way switches

 

[electricalperson]

Hey you just proved it, one SPDT switch is a 2 way switch.
And that is a FACT

i never heard an electrician the term 2 way switch. only time ive heard it called that is when the happy homeowner is describing something. one single pole double throw switch is one of these

ALSO KNOWN AS A 3 WAY SWITCH NOT A TWO WAY

edit to make more sense in the first sentence.

 

[480sparky]

Here's what I get when I Google 2-way switch.

i never heard the term 2 way switch. only time ive heard it called that is when the happy homeowner is describing something. one single pole double throw switch is one of these

ALSO KNOWN AS A 3 WAY SWITCH NOT A TWO WAY

"Uncommon" terminals... now that's a new one to me.

 

[mivey]

One of my favorite fun quotes::grin:

Smoke and dust won't get it. You must back up your statement with something more than your own interpretation. Failure to do so just emphasizes the fact that you are wrong.

 

[dwcaveney]

Is a transfer switch a three way switch.

Is a transfer switch a three way switch.

Really? A Fact?

Better tell all these companies that sell SPDT switches and call them 3 ways. :wink:

3-Way switches

Hey, Bob is a transfer switch a three way switch?

You are wrong! Now the hard part?

 

[stickboy1375]

Hey you just proved it, one SPDT switch is a 2 way switch.
And that is a FACT

Talk about screwing with an apprentice... :roll:

 

[electricalperson]

Here's what I get when I Google 2-way switch.





"Uncommon" terminals... now that's a new one to me.

thats the best picture i could find that shown the terminals. i never heard uncommon terminals either but it doesnt really matter that much. its just to get to the point of what a 3 way is

 

[stickboy1375]

Hey, Bob is a transfer switch a three way switch?

You are wrong! Now the hard part?

Nope, and I wouldn't call it a two way switch either, its a SPDT...