How do two-way light switches work?

Answer by xpi0t0s
Submitted on 1/21/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
Here's a diagram. You'll need to view it in a fixed pitch font - copy and paste it into Notepad, for example: 0-------0 / +---0-< >-0---+ \| / \| \| 0-------0 \| --- \| - (B) \| \| \| \| +-----------------------+ Clockwise from the left hand side we have a battery, two single pole double throw switches (that's one input and two outputs, or two inputs and one output, depending how you look at it), and a bulb. If either switch is thrown, the circuit is complete, and the light comes on. If both switches are thrown at the same time, the circuit remains broken and the light stays off. If both switches are up, or both switches are down, the light will be on. If your house lights don't work this way, it is possible the electrician wired in a crossover so that switches in different positions would result in the light being on. That would look like this: 0--- ---0 / \ / \ --0-< X >-0-- / \ 0--- ---0 which electrically is the same as the first diagram, but now the light would only be on if the switches were in different physical positions.

FAQS.ORG makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of the posts. Each post is the personal opinion of the poster. These posts are not intended to substitute for medical, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. FAQS.ORG does not endorse any opinion or any product or service mentioned mentioned in these posts.

<< Back to general questions

[ Home | FAQ-Related Q&As | General Q&As | Answered Questions ]

Question by Steffy
Submitted on 11/12/2003
Related FAQ: N/A
Rating:	Rate this question:
How do two-way light switches work?

Answer by Ed
Submitted on 11/25/2003
Rating:	Rate this answer:
It is difficult to explain without a diagram but the electrical supply(the feed)comes to the first switch ;out of this there are two cables,called strappers , (only one of which can be live at a time,and when you hit either switch the live cable alternates)they are linked to the next switch,which has only one out going cable which runs to the light(s). I suggest you try find a simple diagram as its easier to visualise.(European terminalogy & spelling)

Answer by Rhno
Submitted on 2/9/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
Because it does

Answer by kejjjjj
Submitted on 2/24/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
blahing i don't get it

Answer by Nati
Submitted on 3/8/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
The easiest way to understand this(boring) stuff is to find a simple diagram because who could be bothered to actually read a load of scientific trash!

Answer by Kassie
Submitted on 3/15/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
A two-way light switch is a way to turn on a light bulb using 4 magnets, batterys, wires, 2 flat metal bars , and a small light bulb. Connect a wire between the battery and the bulb. Connect 2 other wires from the battery and the bulb (like in a circle shape) to a nail that is holding the flat metal bars. Not connecting put a magnet held up by nails with a wire connecting to another magnet. across from it do the same thing. Move the bars back and forth between the magnets and see how many ways you can light the bulb up.

Answer by drelnathi
Submitted on 3/22/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
Animated diagram: http://img19.photobucket.com/albums/v57/drelnathi/2wayswitch.gif

Answer by blow job
Submitted on 3/30/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
look it up in a dictionary

Answer by maggots united (mun)
Submitted on 5/4/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
this was my idea that bloody liar drelnathi stole it from me. go 2 http://img19.photobucket.com/albums/v57/drelnathi/2wayswitch.gif

Answer by drelnathi
Submitted on 5/30/2004
Rating:	Rate this answer:
@maggots Put the who in the what, now?

Answer by jeremy
Submitted on 4/4/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
How does a two switch circuit work?

Answer by 2late
Submitted on 10/27/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
drellnathi and magots that diagram thing who ever it belongs 2, seriously really helped alot....thankx...... :)

Answer by ur mum
Submitted on 11/29/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
luk all of use dnt no wat 2 do so dnt bother doing it D.I.Y go get help

Answer by low blob
Submitted on 12/14/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
sdajfdsjkfjsdlkfhdskjfdskjfdjskfjk mexican food

Answer by seema
Submitted on 2/28/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Two-way switches are just an easier way to find your way around your home, job, etc. Two-way switches make it easier but allowing people to get around or up the stairs and not have to walk in the dark. For example: if a person had to walk up the stairs, and there was only a light switch at the bottom of the stairs would you walk up the stairs in the dark? Or would you put on the light, walk up the stairs and then turn off the light at the top of the stairs. This would require you to have a two-way switch.

Your name or nickname:
If you'd like to create a new account or access your existing account, put in your password here:
Your answer:

Answer by lkfdjglkdfjglkdfjglkj
Submitted on 3/8/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
fdfdgfdg

Answer by ael
Submitted on 2/11/2007
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
OK what you have to do is connect some wires and some batteries and then your done got it or is that 2 confusing!!!!!!