How to Control One Light Bulb From Two Different Locations?
2-Way & 3-Way Switching Connections – Electrical Wiring Diagrams
What is Two Way & Three-Way Switching Circuits?
Two-way switching or (three-way circuits in the US) connection is used to control electrical appliances and equipment like fan, lighting points etc. from different places using 2-way & 3-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 position of flowing electric current in the two way switch (ON or OFF), the connected appliance like bulb can be switched ON / OFF by pressing the button.
Two Way or Three Way Switch? 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.
Please don’t kill me to mention it 2-Way switch instead of 3-Way switch as whatever we have used is the same thing for specific applications.
Related Wiring Diagrams:
- How to Wire 4-Way Switch (NEC) & Intermediate Switch as 3-Way (IEC)?
- How to Wire Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST) as 2-Way & 1-Way Switch? IEC & NEC
- How to Wire Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT) as 3-Way & 2-Way Switch? IEC & NEC
Construction & Working of a 2-Way & 3-Way Switch
In North America, the 2-Way switch is also known as Single Pole Single Through (SPST) while 3-Way switch is known as Single Pole, Double Throw. The basic construction and working principle of 2-way switch is illustrated in (fig 1) below.
Related Posts:
For this kind of wiring installation, you will have the following requirements.
- 1 No of 4-Way Switch (Intermediate as 3-Way in IEC)
- 2 Nos of 3-Way Switches (Two-Way Switches in the NEC)
- 1 No of Light Bulb
- Wires and cables as needed.
How to Wire a 2-Way Switch (3-Way – US)?
Below is a given schematic wiring diagram that shows how to wire a 2-way (or Three-Way – US) switch and control a light bulb from two different places.
Note:
- The same purpose can be achieved by using the following two way switching connection in fig 3 as well.
- Connect the Earth Wire to the connected electrical appliance as well as switches (always on Hot (Line or Phase) as per electrical regulation in your area.
Related Posts:
How to Control Light from Two Places?
The following two way switching connection can be used for the same purpose as mention above in fig 1 i.e. to control a light point from two different places by using 2-way switches
The following wiring shows to control a light bulb from two different locations using SPDT switches (also know as 3-Way switch in NEC and 2-Way switch in IEC.)
NEC wiring Diagram
IEC wiring Diagram
Additionally, you may use two 3-way combo devices (3-Way switch & outlet) to control a light bulb from two places (NEC – US) as follows where (both outlets always on.)
Moreover, you may use combination of Double three-way switches to control a single or two light bulbs from two locations as shown in the following diagram:
Related Posts:
- How to Control One Lamp From Three Different Places?
- How to Control One Light Bulb from Five or Six Different Places? – IEC & NEC?
Two Way Switching to Control Light from Two Places in Staircase
As we discussed above, that the most common use of 2-way switches is to control a light point from different places like upper and downstairs i.e. lower entering door and upper door. This circuit is shown below:
Related Electrical Wiring Installations tutorials:
- How to Wire an Outlet Receptacle? Socket Outlet Wiring Diagrams
- How to Find the Number of Outlets on a Single Circuit Breaker?
- How to Find Voltage & Ampere Rating of Switch, Plug, Outlet & Receptacle
- How to Wire a Pilot Light Switch? Wiring of 2 & 3 Way Neon Light Switches
- How to Wire Combo Switch and Outlet? – Switch/Outlet Combo Wiring Diagrams
- How to Wire an AFCI Combo Switch – AFCI Switch Wiring Diagrams
- How to Wire GFCI Combo Switch and Outlet – GFCI Switch/Outlet Wiring Diagrams
- How to Control Water Heater using Switches?
- How to Wire a Ceiling Fan? Dimmer Switch and Remote Control Wiring
- How to Wire Auto & Manual Changeover & Transfer Switch – (1 & 3 Phase)
- Automatic Bathroom Light Switch Circuit Diagram and Operation
- Staircase Wiring Circuit Diagram – How to Control a Lamp from 2 Places by 2-Way Switches?
- How to Control a Lamp by a Single Way or One-Way Switch?
- How to control each lamp by separately switch in parallel lighting circuit?
- Corridor Wiring Circuit Diagram – Hallway Wiring using 2-Way Switches
- Hospital Wiring Circuit for Light Control using Switches
- Hostel Wiring Circuit Diagram and Working
- Godown Wiring Diagram -Tunnel Wiring Circuit and Working
- Tunnel Wiring Circuit Diagram for Light Control using Switches
- How to Wire a UK 3-Pin Plug? Wiring a BS1363 Plug
- How to Wire a UK 3-Pin Socket Outlet? Wiring a BS1363 Socket
- How to Wire a Twin 3-Pin Socket Outlet? Wiring 2-Gang Socket
- How to Wire Combo Switch and Outlet? – Switch/Outlet Combo Wiring Diagrams
- Switch and Push Button Symbols
- Basic Electrical Wiring Diagrams
Very good 🔥💪
To operate a single bulb from two different locations, you will need to install a three-way switch circuit. This circuit consists of two three-way switches, one at each location, and a single bulb connected to the circuit.
The wiring for this circuit involves running a traveler wire between the two switches, and connecting the hot wire and neutral wire to the common terminals of each switch. The traveler wire is used to carry the electrical signal between the switches, allowing you to turn the light on or off from either location.
When the switches are wired correctly, flipping either switch will change the state of the circuit, turning the light on if it’s off or turning it off if it’s on. This allows you to control the light from either location, making it a convenient and practical solution for many home lighting applications.
SD Smith Electric is a reliable and professional electrical service provider that can provide solutions to all your electrical problems. Whether you need repairs, installations, or maintenance services, their team of experienced electricians can handle any job, big or small.
I am glad to watching your blog.