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

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dwcaveney said:
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
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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
 
dwcaveney said:
It takes 2 SPDT switches to make one "Three Way Switch"
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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?
 
480sparky said:
So when you go to the supply house and ask for "A 3-way switch", this is what they give you?

3wayswitch.jpg
3wayswitch.jpg
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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 said:
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.
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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
 
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 :D anyone ever read that book?
 
dwcaveney said:
Hey you just proved it, one SPDT switch is a 2 way switch.
And that is a FACT
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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

3wayswitch.gif
ALSO KNOWN AS A 3 WAY SWITCH NOT A TWO WAY:D

edit to make more sense in the first sentence. :)
 
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Here's what I get when I Google 2-way switch.


electricalperson said:
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

3wayswitch.gif
ALSO KNOWN AS A 3 WAY SWITCH NOT A TWO WAY:D
Click to expand...


"Uncommon" terminals... now that's a new one to me.
 
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One of my favorite fun quotes::grin:
rattus said:
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.
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Is a transfer switch a three way switch.

Is a transfer switch a three way switch.

iwire said:
Really? A Fact?

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

3-Way switches
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Hey, Bob is a transfer switch a three way switch?

You are wrong! Now the hard part?
 
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