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A proper "3-way switch" would be capable of being switched to 3 different positions and could have one, two or more poles. Each pole could be either single- or double-throw.

"How does a single pole switch differ from a three way?" is a trick question often asked to catch-out new trainee electricians because the common but mis-named "three-way switch" is actually a single pole, double throw switch, i.e. it is only a 2-way switch, not a 3-way switch.

A pair of "3-terminal, single pole, double throw" switches are often used to hook-up two separate light switches to control one light or one set of lights.

The same answer put in a different way

Despite the fact that the name "3-way switch" is often used to describe it, if it is of the type that has just one pole that can only be physically switched 2 ways, the name "3-way switch" is quite wrong for that particular switch. A "3-terminal, single pole, double throw" switch" is a more accurate description for it.

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14y ago
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14y ago

When you want to control a load from only one location.

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Q: How does a single pole switch differ from a three way?
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Related questions

Can a three way switch be changed to a single pole switch with a plate over one of the switch locations?

Yes, If you only hook up two wire it will work as a single pole


What is the difference between single pole switch and a three way?

A single pole switch controls a light or outlet at one location. A 3 way switch controls a light or outlet from 2 locations.


What is TPST switch?

A TPST switch is an acronym for triple pole, single throw it allows three different sources of current to be switched off with the single throw of a switch.


Where does the neutral wire go on a single pole switch?

Unless the switch has a light to indicate the switch is turned on, there is no neutral connection to a single pole switch.


What are the function of single pole switch with sthetic diagram?

single pole switch with sthetic diagram are hard to find these days


What is the difference between iron clad double pole switch and double pole single throw switch?

Answer for USA, Canada and countries running a 60 Hz supply service.The difference between a double pole switch and a single pole switch is the use of the switch in the installation or equipment. A double pole switch is used when the voltage from two circuits has to be broken. An example of this is a 240 volt supply. A single pole switch is used where there is only a single supply voltage that has to be broken.


What is a one switch called?

Single pole toggle switch.


How did a 'three-way switch' get its name?

"How does a single pole switch differ from a three way?" is a trick question often asked to catch-out new trainee electricians because the common but mis-named "three-way switch" is actually a single pole, double throw switch, i.e. it is only a 2-way switch, not a 3-way switch.A pair of "3-terminal, single pole, double throw" switches are often used to hook-up two separate light switches to control one light or one set of lights.A proper "3-way switch" would be capable of being switched to 3 different positions and could have one, two or more poles. Each pole could be either single- or double-throw.The same answer put in a different wayDespite the fact that the name "3-way switch" is often used to describe it, if it is of the type that has just one pole that can only be physically switched 2 ways, the name "3-way switch" is quite wrong for that particular switch. A "3-terminal, single pole, double throw" switch" is a more accurate description for it.Comment'Three-way switch' -American term. 'Two-way switch' -UK term for the same type of switch. Used to operate a lamp from two different locations.


What else is a single pole switch known by?

This is the typical light switch in your home that controls a single light from a single location. Sometimes you might see it described as SPST or single pole single throw.


What is meant by SPDT?

In electronics, an SPDT is a type of switch. It stands for "Single Pole, Double Throw." In America, it's known as a three-way switch.


What type of switch has an on off position with one pole and one contact?

single pole, single throw.


What is difference between single pole and double pole switch?

A single pole switch interrupts only one wire, which must be the live wire. A double pole switch interrupts both the live and the neutral, so it contains two separate switches operated by the same lever. Current practice is to use single-pole switches, to avoid a fault condition which could leave equipment live while switched off.