A three-way switch uses which type of contacts?

A three-way switch uses which type of contacts?

• A. Single Pole, Single Throw
• B. Double Pole, Single Throw
• C. Single Pole, Double Throw
• D. Double Pole, Double Throw

Answer: (C)

A three-way switch uses a single pole that can connect to one of two outputs, which is called Single Pole, Double Throw. The switch has a common terminal and two traveler terminals; depending on the position, the common is connected to one traveler or the other. This setup lets power flow to the light from two different locations by choosing between two paths. The other types don’t fit because Single Pole Single Throw would only route to one path, and Double Pole or Double Throw would imply two separate circuits or poles, which isn’t how a typical two-location light control is wired.

A three-way switch uses a single pole that can connect to one of two outputs, which is called Single Pole, Double Throw. The switch has a common terminal and two traveler terminals; depending on the position, the common is connected to one traveler or the other. This setup lets power flow to the light from two different locations by choosing between two paths. The other types don’t fit because Single Pole Single Throw would only route to one path, and Double Pole or Double Throw would imply two separate circuits or poles, which isn’t how a typical two-location light control is wired.