How Three-Way Switches Work | HowStuffWorks - Home And Garden

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HowStuffWorks Home & Garden Appliances Household Appliances How Three-Way Switches Work NEXT PAGE By: Marshall Brain
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Have you ever wonder how switches work? Matt Anderson Photography / Getty Images

­In your house or apartment, you probably have at least one light that is controlled by two separate switches. Whenever you flip either one of the switches, the light changes its state -- if it is on it turns off, and if it is off it turns on.

If you have ever wondered ­how this arrangement works and how each switch knows what the other switch is doing, then read on. In this article, we will solve the mystery of three-way switches!

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Copy Marshall Brain "How Three-Way Switches Work" 1 January 1970.HowStuffWorks.com. <https://home.howstuffworks.com/three-way.htm> 4 February 2026 Close Print | Citation Electrify Me Up Next Dimmer Switch Explore More You May Like How does a fluorescent starter work? Explore More

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