A 2 way rocker switch is a type of electrical switch commonly used in household and industrial applications. It is used to turn on and off electrical devices from two different locations. In this article, we will provide a detailed guide on how to wire a 2 way rocker switch and its various applications.
What is a 2 Way Rocker Switch?
A 2 way rocker switch is a double pole, double throw (DPDT) switch that has two switch positions. The rocker switch can be either ON or OFF, and it can be toggled between the two positions by pushing the rocker button up or down.
The most common use of the 2 way rocker switch is to control the lighting in a room from two different locations. For example, you can use it to turn on and off the lights in the living room from both the entrance and the exit doors.
How to Wire a 2 Way Rocker Switch
Wiring a 2 way rocker switch is a simple process that can be done by following the steps below:
Step 1: Turn off the power
Before starting the wiring process, make sure to turn off the power to the circuit that you will be working on. This can be done by switching off the circuit breaker that supplies power to the circuit.
Step 2: Choose the correct wiring diagram
The wiring diagram for a 2 way rocker switch depends on the number of wires that are present in the switch. The most common wiring diagrams are:
| Number of wires | Wiring diagram |
|---|---|
| 3 wires | Power – Switch – Light |
| 4 wires | Power – Switch – Switch – Light |
| 5 wires | Power – Switch – Common – Switch – Light |
Step 3: Connect the wires
The wiring process involves connecting the wires in the switch to the corresponding wires in the circuit. The wires are usually color-coded for easy identification.
In a 3-wire switch, connect the power wire to the common terminal, the wire leading to the light to the other terminal on the switch, and the ground wire to the metal frame of the switch.
In a 4-wire switch, connect the power wire to the common terminal, the two wires leading to the other switch to the other two terminals, and the wire leading to the light to the remaining terminal on the switch.
In a 5-wire switch, connect the power wire to the common terminal, the two wires leading to the switches to the corresponding terminals, and the wire leading to the light to the remaining terminal on the switch.
Applications of 2 Way Rocker Switch
The 2 way rocker switch has a wide range of applications in both residential and industrial settings. Some of the common applications include:
Lighting control
As mentioned earlier, the 2 way rocker switch is commonly used to control the lighting in a room from two different locations. This makes it easy to turn on and off the lights without having to go to the main switch.
Motor control
The 2 way rocker switch can also be used to control the speed and direction of a motor. By wiring the switch in a specific way, you can change the direction of the motor and adjust its speed.
Appliance control
The 2 way rocker switch can be used to control various appliances such as fans, heaters, and air conditioners. It allows you to turn on and off these appliances from two different locations.
FAQ
Q: Can a 2 way rocker switch be used to control more than one light?
A: Yes, it is possible to use a 2 way rocker switch to control more than one light. This can be done by wiring the lights in parallel with each other.
Q: Can a 2 way rocker switch be used for outdoor lighting?
A: Yes, a 2 way rocker switch can be used for outdoor lighting as long as it is rated for outdoor use. You should also make sure that the wiring is done correctly and the switch is properly grounded.
Q: Can a 2 way rocker switch be used to control a ceiling fan?
A: Yes, a 2 way rocker switch can be used to control a ceiling fan. However, you will need to wire it in a specific way to control both the fan and the light separately.
Q: What is the difference between a 2 way rocker switch and a single pole switch?
A: A single pole switch has only one switch position, while a 2 way rocker switch has two switch positions. This allows the 2 way rocker switch to control a device from two different locations.
Q: Can a 2 way rocker switch be used in a three-way lighting circuit?
A: No, a 2 way rocker switch cannot be used in a three-way lighting circuit. A three-way circuit requires two 3-way switches and one 4-way switch.
In conclusion, a 2 way rocker switch is a versatile electrical switch that can be used for a variety of applications. Wiring a 2 way rocker switch is a simple process that can be done by following the correct wiring diagram. If you have any further questions, feel free to consult with a licensed electrician.
