Looking Good Using A Three Way Switch As A Single Pole

Dominick amorosso decemberj 2012 110 volt electrical 11 comments 27439 views in this video i explain just how easy it is to add a three way switch to an existing single pole one switch lighting circuit.

Using a three way switch as a single pole. In order for a 3 way switch to function as a single pole the wires need to be connected to the common and one of the traveler terminals. You don t need the other terminal on the three way switch so it s fine to cover it over with electrical tape to ensure the terminals don t get mixed up. You would use one of the dark colored screws with one of t.

That s because the three way switch is used in conjunction with another three way switch to power a single light fixture and turning the light fixture on and off may require different lever positions. Whereas a single pole switch has on and off markings a three way switch doesn t. You can wire a 3 way switch as a sigle pole switch by finding which screw terminals work together.

Since they are listed as such the nec section that says must install according to manufacture instructions would eliminate any need to look in the nec. This is also true for lutron s 3 way controls and multi location controls such as vareo and maestro. They are wired as common l1 and l2.

The other traveler terminal is left unconnected. Single pole switch on line side left side of diagram blank. It will not work if the wires are connected to the two traveler terminals.

It is legal and possible to use a 3 way switch as a single pole switch just check the listings they are listed as a 3 way dpst or a standard on off spst. 3 way switches may be used in single pole applications. 3 way switches can be converted to single pole in several configurations.

If you wish to wire as just on off a regular switch then just wire common and l1 or l2. There are two positions up or down no middle position. I assume you mean what we refer to as a two way switch.