---
title: "What Is Three-way switch? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "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."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/three-way-switch
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

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](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/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](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/lighting-installation).

[Daniel Electric can helpLighting installation](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/lighting-installation)

## Related terms

-   [Dimmer switch](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/dimmer-switch)
-   [Smart switch](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/smart-switch)
-   [Switch box](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/switch-box)
-   [Junction box](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/junction-box)

## Sources

1.  [Leviton: How to Wire a 3-Way Switch](https://leviton.com/support/resources/product-support/dimmers-and-switches/switches/video-how-to-install-a-three-way-switch)
2.  [Lutron: Single Pole / 3-Way Dimmer instructions](https://assets.lutron.com/a/documents/03099903B.pdf)

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