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How do you wire a light switch that has a black common screw and two gold screws one on each side of light switch and a green screw?

In: Home Electricity, New Electrical Work, Modification of Old Electrical Work [Edit categories]

Answer:

That is called a three way switch. It's used in conjunction with another 3 way switch in another area and they both control a light or set of lights. The black is power and the other two are called travelers that wire to the the other 2 gold screws on the other switch.

A three way switch can be used as a single pole switch by using the black screw and one of the brass screws. You will have to test the circuit to orient the switch so up is on and down is off, if that is what you desire, because it is not obvious on a three way switch.

The green screw is simply your equipment ground. You place your green or bare conductor there.

Contributor:

Sparkfighter

First answer by Viking Chef1. Last edit by Sparkfighter. Contributor trust: 10 [recommend contributor ]. Question popularity: 12 [recommend question].

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