Switching Configurations

Control from one point: One single-pole, single-throw switch (S) is

required

A single-pole, single throw switch (S) is used to provide control from one point by opening or closing the
ungrounded (hot) conductor in the circuit. In the first figure, the switch is open and the lights in the
circuit are off. In the second figure, the switch is closed, the circuit is complete, and the lights in the
circuit are on

Several single-pole, single-throw switches can be used to control individual lights in a circuit
Single-pole, single-throw switches can be used to control a bank (group) of lights in the circuit.

Control from two points: Two three-way switches (S3) are required

Shown are a one-line schematic drawing of electrical symbols and the related switching configuration
for switching at two locations. The dashed line at each switch shows the new configuration of the circuit
when the switch is flipped. Two three-way (S3) switches are used to control from two points. Note that
two ungrounded conductors called travelers are used between the switches. As configured, the top
traveler carries current. The bottom traveler will carry current only when the switches are tripped.
Current flowing through the circuit with two three-way switches can be interrupted by flipping a single
switch. In the top figure, current flows through both switches, the circuit is complete, and the lights are
on. In the bottom figure, current flows through the first switch but is interrupted at the second (right)
switch, the circuit is open, and the lights are switched off.

.. Control from three points: Two three-way switches (S3) and a four-
way switch (S4) are required. The fourway switch must be wired
between the three-way switches.
Shown is a one-line schematic drawing of electrical symbols and the related switching configuration for
switching at three locations. The dashed line at each switch shows the new configuration of the circuit
when the switch is flipped. Two three-way (S3) switches and a four-way switch (S4) are used to control
from three points. Not that two ungrounded conductors called travelers are used between the switches.
In this switching configuration, current flows through the switches, the circuit is complete, and the lights
are on. When any switch is flipped, current flow is interrupted and the lights go off.

. Control from four or more Two three-way switches points: (S3) and two or
more fourway switches (S4) are required. The four-way switches must be wired
between the three-way switches.
Shown is a one-line schematic drawing of electrical symbols and the related switching configuration for
switching at four locations. The dashed line at each switch shows the new configuration of the circuit
when the switch is flipped. Two three-way (S3) switches and two four-way switches (S4) are used to
control from four points. Additional four-way switches (S4) may be added to the circuit to control from
additional points. In this switching configuration, current flows through the switches, the circuit is
complete, and the lights are on. When any switch is flipped, current flow is interrupted and the lights go
off.