9

Technology and
Livelihood Education
Electrical Installation and Maintenance
Quarter 4 – Module 2:
3 Way and Intermediate
Switch Wiring
TLE – Grade 9
Quarter 4 – Module 2: 3 Way and Intermediate Switch Wiring
First Edition, 2020

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work
of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency or
office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such work for profit.
Such agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of
royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names,
trademarks, etc.) included in this module are owned by their respective copyright holders.
Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from
their respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim
ownership over them.

Published by the Department of Education

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Ruth Eliezer Alcazar / Alexander B. Jubilo
Editor: Rey D. Jamison
Reviewer: Alpha DS. Palconit, Rey D. Jamison
Illustrator: References
Layout Artist: Ruth Eliezer Alcazar
Management Team:
Allan G. Famazao Josephine L. Fadul
Jean Aldequer Christine C. Bagacay
Pedilina O Huevos Alpha DS Palconit
Analiza Almazan Lorna C. Ragos

Inilimbag sa Pilipinas ng __________________________________________

Department of Education – Region XI

Office Address: F. Torres St., Davao City

Telefax: (082) 291-1665; (082) 221-6147

E-mail Address: regionxi@deped.gov.ph * lrms.regionxi@deped.gov.ph

 9
Technology and
Livelihood Education
Electrical Installation and Maintenance
Quarter 4 – Module 2:
3 Way and Intermediate
Switch Wiring
Introductory Message
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our
dear learners, can continue your studies and learn while at
home. Activities, questions, directions, exercises, and
discussions are carefully stated for you to understand each
lesson.
Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide
you step-by-step as you discover and understand the lesson
prepared for you.
Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on
lessons in each SLM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on
completing this module or if you need to ask your facilitator or
your teacher’s assistance for better understanding of the lesson.
At the end of each module, you need to answer the post-test to
self-check your learning. Answer keys are provided for each
activity and test. We trust that you will be honest in using these.
In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher
are also provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and
reminders on how they can best help you on your home-based
learning.
Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks
on any part of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in
answering the exercises and tests. And read the instructions
carefully before performing each task.
If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in
answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult
your teacher or facilitator.
Thank you.

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 Let Us Learn!

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you
master how to use different kind of sentences particularly declarative and interrogative
sentences. The scope of this module permits it to be used in many different learning
situations. The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The
lessons are also arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course. But the order in
which you read them can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now
using.

This module has one lesson:

Unit of Competency:

INSTALL WIRING DEVICES OF FLOOR AND WALL MOUNTED OUTLETS,

LIGHTING FIXTURE/SWITCHES AND AUXILLIARY OUTLETS

Lesson 2- 3-Way switch and Intermediate Switch Wiring

After going through this module, you are expected to:

 Define the difference between 3way switch and Intermediate
switch
 Identify the different uses of the different switches
 Sketch a diagram combining the 2 switches

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Lesson
3-Way switch and
2 Intermediate Switch Wiring

Let Us Try!

Hello! I hope you are having a good day. Before proceeding to Lesson 1, try to read
and answer the activity below first.

Identification: Identify what is being describe in the statement, write the answer on
the space provided.

1. Switch that controls two separate circuits.

a. 3-way switch b. Toggle switch c. single pole switch d. 4way switch

2. Switch that controls just one circuit.

a.3-way switch b. Toggle switch c. single pole switch d. 4way switch

3. An electric switch having three terminals used to control a circuit from two
different points.
a. Single pole switch b. 4way switch c. 3way switch d. intermediate

4. Common return path for electric current, or a direct physical connection to the
earth.

a. static b. ground c. live d. neutral

5. If a set of electrical bulbs are to be connected in series or parallel configuration,

in which configuration does the bulbs glow brighter:

a. Series Circuit b. short circuit d. parallel circuit

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 Let Us Study

Two Way Switching/ 3 Way Switch Wiring

Two-way switches are used to power electrical appliances and devices, such as fans and
lighting points, from various locations. The most popular application of 2-way switching
is stair wiring, in which a light source can be operated from two, three, or even multiple
locations. The attached gadget, such as a bulb, may be turned on or off by pressing the
button, regardless of the current location of the two-way switch (ON or OFF).

https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2012/11/how-to-control-one-lamp-from-
three.html

Applications of 2-Way Switching

 It is used to control electrical equipment and appliances from two, three or even
more different locations by adding more intermediate switches.
 It is also used in staircase wiring connection where a light point can be control
from two or more different places.
 It is used in large area rooms having two or more entry and exit doors and
gates.
 The main purpose of 2-way switching is to control an AC or DC electrical
appliance, device or equipment especially light points from two places.

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Two Way Switch or Three Way Switch:

The word "three-way" refers to the type of switch used in the following tutorial in North
America (USA). The majority of English-speaking countries (UK/EU) refer to them as
"two-way." The term for the pair of wires linking the two switches varies as well: The
British call them "strappers," while the Americans call them "travelers."

How Three-Way Switches Work

A standard switch has two terminals, one of which is connected and the other is
disconnected. A three-way switch has three terminals, and the first terminal is
connected to either the second or third terminal, as seen here:

0- Hot
1 and 3 - Travelers

Photo taken by the writer

The two terminals of a standard switch are either connected (as shown) or
disconnected. The switch is "on" when they are paired. The top terminal of a three-way
switch binds to one of the bottom two terminals.

https://home.howstuffworks.com/three-way2.htm

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 Assume that terminals 0 and 3 are paired as shown above when the switch is turned on.
Terminals 1 and 3 are connected if the switch is turned off. The light is off in the
previous figure, as you can see if you trace through the wires and switches. You will also
see that the light will turn on if you flip either switch. And if you flip either switch again,
the light will turn off. It is actually a very simple arrangement once you see it all exposed
like this!

https://home.howstuffworks.com/three-way2.htm

It’s important to recognize that a light switch is designed to interrupt the “hot” wire
when it’s turned off.

With this in mind, the white wire from the power source is always connected to the light fixture
without interruption, and the bare grounding wires are always secured with grounding screws.
The “hot” or “charged” wire from the power source, on the other hand, is routed through the
switches.

2-way Switch Wiring using Two-wire control

https://circuitdigest.com/electronic-circuits/2-
way-switch-working-connection-diagram-and-

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The condition of getting Output in ON condition is the same as the Ex-nor gate truth
table which is given below:

Switch 1 Switch 2 Lamp state

0 0 1

0 1 0

1 0 0

1 1 1

(Where, 0 represents the OFF condition and 1 represents the ON condition.)

The phase/live is related to the popular of the first 2-way switch, as you can see in the
2-way switch diagram b. The first switch's PIN1 and PIN2 are attached to the second
switch's PIN1 and PIN2 respectively. One end of the bulb is connected to the Common
Terminal of the second switch, while the other end is connected to the AC power supply's
Neutral line.

2-way Switch Wiring using Three-wire control

https://circuitdigest.com/electronic-circuits/2-way-switch-working-connection-diagram-and-demonstration

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The condition of getting Output in ON condition is the same as the Ex-or gate truth table
which is given below:

Switch
Switch 2 Lamp state
1

0 0 0

0 1 1

1 0 1

1 1 0

(Where 0 represents the OFF condition and 1 represents the ON condition.)

Conventional 3-Way Switch Wiring Configuration

The switches shown below are all three-way switches. Three terminals, one normal
(usually black) and one pair of travelers, make up a three-way turn (usually brass color).
The common wire from one switch connects to the line, while the common wire from the
other switch connects to the load in traditional wiring (lights). The travelers on one
switch are connected to the travelers on the other switch.
In 3-way light switch electrical boxes, the common wire is usually wrapped around the
traveler wires for identification. In these diagrams, the ground relation is not seen.
Conventional 3-Way Light Switch Diagrams

https://www.electrical101.com/3way-switches.html
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 https://www.electrical101.com/3way-switches.html

Alternate 3-Way Switch Wiring

The California or West Coast 3-way switch wiring configuration was used to wire 3-way
switches so that line voltage could be supplied to either switch. Since the neutral is no
longer present in each switch box, this configuration is no longer possible.
Three-way wiring isn't overly complicated. The line (line voltage) is connected to the
common of one switch, while the load (light) is connected to the common of the other
switch in traditional wiring. This alternative wiring configuration, on the other hand, can
cause confusion.
Alternate 3-way wiring configuration is described below.
1. The common terminal from each switch is connected together.
2. One traveler from each switch is connected together and to line voltage.
3. The other traveler from each switch is connected together and to the load(s).
In every 3-way wiring setup, determining which configuration is present can be difficult.
When changing a switch, make sure the new one is wired in the same way as the old
one. If you're having trouble with your 3-way switches, you should probably call an
electrician.

Alternate 3-Way Switch Wiring Diagrams

Line voltage can be connected to left or right switch

https://www.electrical101.com/3way-switches.html

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https://www.electrical101.com/3way-switches.html

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Troubleshooting Three-Way Switches
Spring-loaded switches reduce arching and extend switch life. When a switch is toggled,
however, there is a tiny amount of arcing current. A bad switch does not fully fail;
burned contacts can cause intermittent failure. When troubleshooting switches, keep
this in mind. Intermittent failure, particularly with 3 and 4-way switches, can make
troubleshooting difficult. If one of the three-way switches has to be replaced, the other
should be done as well.

Locate a Bad 3-Way Switch

Usually when a 3-way switch fails, lights can be toggled on and off at one switch, but not
the other. If one of the two 3-way switches toggles the light(s) on and off, the other 3-way
switch has probably failed. Follow these steps to find which switch is bad.
1. Toggle each switch until the light come on. Toggle one switch to see if it turns the
light on and off. If it does, it is a good switch. Leave the light on.
2. Toggle the other switch to see if it turns the light on and off. If it does, it is a good
switch and the other is bad.
One of these switches will not turn the light on and off (while the light is on) and that is
the bad switch.
Once you identify the bad switch, follow the steps below to verify it is bad and needs to
be replaced.
Test a 3-Way Switch
1. Turn off power to the switches at the circuit breaker and using a tester, make
sure power is off. Remove the two 3-way switches so you can access the switch
terminals. The wire connections do not have to be removed.
2. Using a continuity tester, check continuity between the common (black) terminal
and each of the traveler terminals (brass colored) of each 3-way switch.
3. There should be continuity between the common terminal and only one of the
traveler terminals. After toggling the switch, there should be continuity between the
common terminal and only the other traveler terminal.
When a 3-way switch fails, there will usually be no continuity between the common
terminal and one (sometimes both) traveler terminals of one of the 3-way switches.

https://www.electrical101.com/3way-switches.html

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Convert 3-Way Switches to Single Pole
One of the traveler wires in a 3-way switch is removed to transform it to a single pole
switch. The wires must be attached to the common and one of the traveler terminals in
order for a 3-way switch to act as a single pole. If the wires are wired to the two traveler
terminals, it will not operate. The other traveler terminal has been left without a link.
3-way switches can be converted to single pole in several configurations.
1. Single pole switch on line side (left side of diagram), blank cover on load side
(to light).
2. Blank cover on line side, single pole switch on load side
3. Single pole switch on line side, receptacle on load side.
4. Receptacle on line side, single pole switch on load side.
The following diagrams show each wiring configuration. Do not trim wires shorter than
six inches
Conventional 3-Way Switch Diagram

Single Pole Switch on Line Side

https://www.electrical101.com/3way-switches.html

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Intermediate Switch – 4 Way Switch

https://www.lazada.com.ph/products/panasonic-wide-series-4-way-switch-1-2-3-gang-or-device-only-i263679682.html

What is Intermediate Switch

It's a four-terminal switch that's typically used when we need to power a light (or some
other electrical device like a fan, detector, or in the middle of a stairwell, for example)
from three different locations.

https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2012/11/what-is-intermediate-switch-its.html

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Construction & Working of Intermediate Switch

In an intermediate switch, there are four terminals by which it changes the flowing of
electric current from one circuit to another (see fig 1 & 2) and also known as three way
switch. It has the ability to ON and OFF the electric supply by two ways. The four
terminals of intermediate switch construction and its operation are shown in fig below
where the 4 contact points may be known as A, B, C & D. When the switch knob is up,
the terminal contacts of intermediate switch connect terminal A with terminal C and
terminal B with terminal D as shown in fig 1a. On the other hand when knob is down,
terminal A is connected to terminal B and C to D then.

https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2012/11/what-is-intermediate-switch-its.html

In other words, When the knob of the switch is UP, then the vertical contacts are connecting in
such a way like AC and BD as shown in fig 1a). And when the knob is DOWN, then the
Horizontal contacts are connected (i.e. AB and CD as shown in fig 1b).

The basic construction and working of Intermediate switch.

https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2012/11/what-is-intermediate-switch-its.html

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Application and Uses of Intermediate Switch

The intermediate switch is typically used in a corridor, large space, or go down where
several lamps must be turned on and off from various locations. Furthermore, in a
multistory house, an intermediate switch circuit may monitor or turn on/off a lamp on
the ground floor or in a car parking shade from either floor.

Controlling Light Point from Three Places using Intermediate Switch

https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2012/11/what-is-intermediate-switch-its.html

Controlling of Lamp from 6 Six Places by Intermediate Switch

https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2012/11/what-is-intermediate-switch-its.html

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How to Troubleshoot Four-Way Switches
Locate a Bad 4-Way Switch

If a 3-way or 4-way switch fails, all but one of the switches can be toggled on and off.
Any switch that turns the light(s) on and off is most likely in good working order. Follow
these steps to determine which of your three or four-way switches is broken.

1. Toggle each switch until the light come on. Toggle the first switch to see if it
turns the light on and off. If it does, it is a good switch. Leave the light on.

2. Toggle the next switch to see if it turns the light on and off. If it does, it is a
good switch. Leave the light on.

Repeat the process for the rest of the switches.

One of these switches will not turn the light on and off (while the light is on) and that is
the bad switch.

If a 3-way or 4-way switch fails, all but one switch can be toggled on and off. Any switch
that turns the light(s) on and off is most likely functional. Follow these steps to figure
out which of your three or four-way switches is broken.

The Anatomy a 4-Way Switch

Since a 4-way switch does not have a on or off location, it may be mounted with the
black terminals on top and the brass terminals on the bottom, or vice versa.
The left side black terminal binds to the left side brass terminal while the toggle is in one
place. The black terminal on the right links to the brass terminal on the right.
The left side black terminal attaches to the right side brass terminal while the toggle is
in the opposite location. The black terminal on the right links to the brass terminal on
the east

https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2012/11/what-is-intermediate-switch-its.html

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 Test a 4-Way Switch
Turn off the circuit breakers switches and check for control with a tester. To access the
switch terminals, remove all of the switches. There is no need to cut the wire
connections.
 Using a continuity tester
 Check continuity between terminals as shown.
 Actual toggle position can vary with make and model.

https://www.electrical101.com/troubleshoot-4wayswitches.html

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 Let Us Practice

You did great on your first day! Now, let’s try what you have learned. Are you
ready?

A. Draw the actual connection diagram of the given problem of 3 way switch.
Use the box below for this activity.(Use a proper drawing materials for this
activity)

Note: Use the proper electrical symbols for this activity.

1. Two Incandescent Bulb Controlled by two 3 way switches with 2

convenience outlet.

15 Amp 20Amp

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2. Installing 2 lamps A and C controlled by 23way switches 1 and 3 and a
lamp (B) controlled by a 3-way switch (2) use as single pole switch.

A B C

1 2 3

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3. Installing 5bulbs controlled by 2 3way and 2 4way switch in 4 different
locations.

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 Let Us Practice More

Very good! You made it this far. Let us continue rolling!

Activity 2.1 Independent Practice
A. Draw the schematic diagram of the given single line diagram of different
switches. Use the box below for this activity.

1.

Direction:Single pole switch serves as the master switch 3way switches control bulb
A,B, C, D connected with a Convenience outlet.

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2.

Direction: 3way and 4way controls bulb A and D in 3 different locations while S1
controls bulb B and S2 controls bulb C.

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3.

Direction: 3way switches control bulb A and bulb B and C controlled by single pole
switch

15 Amp 20 Amp

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 Let Us Remember

Awesome! Now, let us gather what we have learned.

Direction: Draw the following diagram on a given circuit

Circuit Descriptions:
Install a circuit with a lamp controlled by 2 3-way switch
 Draw the schematic diagram and actual wiring diagram base on the circuit
description
 On the single line diagram, indicate the number of wire inside the raceway
Schematic Diagram: Single line Diagram:

Actual wiring Diagram:

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 Let Us Assess

It is amazing how you were able to study and answer the activities! Now it is time to try
the fruit of your journey by answering the assessment below.

Identification: Read the statements carefully. Write your answer in the space provided.
1. How many switches do you need to construct a three-way switch circuit?
Ans:_______________________________________________________________

2. What is the wire that carries the current often called?

Ans:_______________________________________________________________

3. How many wires run through in a 3 way switch?

Ans:_______________________________________________________________

4. What is the purpose of a three-way light switch?

Ans:_______________________________________________________________

5. What does the "three" in a three-way switch refer to?

Ans:_______________________________________________________________

6. What must you do before testing electrical wiring?

Ans:_______________________________________________________________

7. What tool can you use to find out how your house is wired?
Ans:_______________________________________________________________

8. If one three-way switch is stuck, what would happen?

Ans:_______________________________________________________________

9. Should three-way switches be wired in series or parallel? Why?

Ans:_______________________________________________________________

Answer key to Activities

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Lesson 2: 3 Way Switch and Intermediate Switch Wiring

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 References

“Three-Way Switches.” Wolfram Demonstrations Project, 2007, doi:10.3840/002155.

Brain, Marshall. "How Three-Way Switches Work." HowStuffWorks. April 01, 2000. Accessed April 26, 2021.
https://home.howstuffworks.com/three-way2.htm.

https://matthews.sites.wfu.edu/courses/p230/switches/SwitchesTut.html#:~:text=
%223%2Dway%22%20is%20the,double%20throw%20(SPDT)%20switch.&text=The
%20switches%20must%20create%20a,is%20complete%20(bottom%20right).
https://www.hometips.com/diy-how-to/install-three-way-light-switch.html
file:///C:/Users/User/Desktop/3-way-switch-wiring-600x258.webp
https://www.miwv.com/spdt-switch/
https://matthews.sites.wfu.edu/courses/p230/switches.html
https://circuitdigest.com/electronic-circuits/2-way-switch-working-connection-diagram-and-
demonstration
https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2012/11/how-to-control-one-lamp-from-three.html
https://www.electrical101.com/3way-switches.html
https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2012/11/what-is-intermediate-switch-its.html

https://www.electrical101.com/troubleshoot-4wayswitches.html
https://play.howstuffworks.com/quiz/three-way-switches-quiz
http://wiringdevicesupport.eaton.com/Switches/70459636/What-is-the-difference-between-a-
single-pole-and-a-3-way-switch.htm
 Para samgakatanungan o puna, sumulat o tumawagsa:

Department of Education – Region XI (DepEd- XI)

F. Torres St., Davao City

Telefax: (082) 291-1665; (082) 221-6147

Email Address: regionxi@deped.gov.ph * lrms.regionxi@deped.gov.ph