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Lighting

Three-way switch

A three-way switch is one of a pair of switches that control the same light from two places, such as both ends of a hall.

Leviton defines a 3-way switch as an electrical switch that lets you control a single light, or appliance, from two different locations. The two switches work as a pair, and either one can turn the light on or off. Stairs and long halls are common places.

A dimmer switch can be part of the pair, but Lutron notes that only one dimmer can be used in a 3-way circuit. The wiring depends on the box and cable, and mistakes cause shock and fire risk. A licensed electrician should do it. See lighting installation.

Daniel Electric can helpLighting installation

Related terms

Sources

  1. Leviton: How to Wire a 3-Way Switch
  2. Lutron: Single Pole / 3-Way Dimmer instructions

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