Home systems have some strange terminology. Why are the two light switches that control one light fixture called a three-way switch? You know – the kind with a switch at both the top and the bottom of the stairs. Sometimes it’s up/switch off, and sometimes up/switch on.
The name relates to switching the power line back and forth, and having an extra wire and connector. Electricians call this a three-way switch, and it takes a smart electrician to wire this properly.
You may not care about the details, but you should care about the switches and what they control. Here is the quick tip: You can identify the type of switch by looking at the marking on it.
Single pole switches, with one switch controlling one light, are marked with an “on” and “off ” position.
A three-way switch has no marking because there is no consistent on or off position. The on-off can change depending on the position of the second three-way switch. Take a look at the switches in your home. You may be surprised with what you have overlooked.