Single Pole vs 3-Way Switch in Under 3 Minutes

Learn how to tell the difference between a single pole switch and a three-way switch in this video. This includes ON-OFF labels, number of switches per light,
and number of terminals on the switch. I have also included circuit diagrams for a visual representation.

I am in no way responsible for anything that you attempt!

See also:
How to Change a Single Pole Switch in Under 3 Minutes

How to Change a 3-Way Switch in Under 3 Minutes

[kreapz]

Thanks, straighforward and easy. Watched so many videos that are 3 times longer and confusing, this one is short and straight to the point. Thank you!!!!

[jokamcy]

I almost NEVER comment, but this was short, straight to the point, and east to follow. The graphic above was EXTREMELY helpful. Thank you SOOOO Keep doing this. I liked and subscribed.

[eddieg]

the "Live" diagrams to coincide with your switch motion in the video is a great aide in the clarity of your video!

[Keegeth]

You're diagram just made it click in my head. Thx!

[dsugimoto]

Thanks. This was straightforward and interesting. Always wondered how a three way switch worked.

[digitaltrekkie]

Always appreciate a good, simple, visual diagram! 👍

[serafinjazz]

This is so perfect... fast and easy to understand. Thank you!

[candicherry]

Thank you for the time you put into this. So helpful!

[cplgusmc]

Thanks bro you just helped me verify I have a 3 pole switch. I was sure I did but seeing is believing.

[Jay-trpx]

Hi thanks for the great video. I was just wondering. Can you put just two hot wires from a two pole fuse holder in a three pole overload (ex. L1✓ L2✓ L3×)??

Thanks again

[JC-bhdm]

Finally the vid I was looking for, thanks!

[yeweston]

Dude... I work in the electrical department @ home depot and when I started I didn't know 💩. I definitely know more than the average person now but I want to know *more* so I can be more helpful and confident with my customers. Not that I'm giving it 110% like my life depended on it, I just hate feeling like I could be giving them better info or that I could be wrong (if I really don't know, obviously I'd ask someone)

[creativecreativemediafgmed]

Great video, but how do you tell between if they’re more of a newer switch that does not have the cables coming from the sides but instead inside the device

[alsuarez]

Great explanation. Thanks for the vid!

[sals.]

Good video
But how do i know which one i need i currently have two switches and they are together on one plate one turns light the other one is for outlets i think to turn off power for outlet so i wanna install dimmer light so do i change just the one for light and install the dimmer and leave the other one alone since its for outlet nothing else. Do i need one way dimmer or two . I am not electrician any help thank you

[glennusher]

Which one is the best to use? Does the Single, get hot faster?

[spaceshipperfor]

Good video!
Question: my "light" switch (witch is in fact a dimmer) turns on or off the wall outlet that is about 5 feet further... so does that mean this "light" switch is necessarily a 3-way type?

[SliceofFilips]

You have just demystified one of the most befuddling things I could never understand... Thank you

[edvallecorse]

I am interested in installing a programmable timer that is single pole in a circuit that has an additional 3 way switch. I am not interested in using the 3 way switch. Can the timer be installed in such a circuit?

[kvdgadj]

My light switch has two load wire on one switch and line wire on the other. No ground wire. Can you use a three way switch on a single pole switch?