3-Way Switches & Dimmers
A 3-way light switch lets you control one light from two places: the top and bottom of a staircase, both ends of a hallway, or two doors into the same room. Every 3-way switch and 3-way dimmer on this page is made from solid brass, with a 0.080" plate that fits standard US boxes, in Unlacquered, Aged or Satin Brass.
3-way toggle switches and 3-way dimmer switches
Pick the layout that matches each box. A 3-way toggle switch is a simple on/off at both ends. A 3-way dimmer switch puts a rotary dimmer at one location, so you can set the light level there and still switch it from the other end.
| You need | Choose |
|---|---|
| On/off from two places | Two 1-gang toggle switches, 3-Way type |
| Dimming from two places | One rotary dimmer, 3-Way type, plus one 3-way toggle |
| A 3-way circuit in a box with other switches | A 2-gang, 3-gang or 4-gang toggle switch with a 3-way position |
| Dimmers and toggles on one plate, with 3-way control | A multi-gang dimmer such as the 2-gang dimmer + toggle or the 3-gang dimmer + 2 toggles, 3-Way type |
For a single pole layout of your own, the Build Your Own plate lets you mix toggles and dimmers on a 2, 3 or 4-gang plate.
3-way switch FAQ
Do I need two 3-way switches?
Yes. A 3-way circuit always uses a pair: one 3-way device at each location, joined by two traveler wires. Order two, or one 3-way dimmer plus one 3-way toggle.
Can I use a 3-way dimmer at both ends?
No. Use the 3-way dimmer at one location only and a 3-way toggle at the other. The light dims from the dimmer side and switches on and off from both.
Is a 3-way switch the same as a 2-way switch?
Yes. "2-way" is the UK name for the same idea: two switches, one light. In the US it is called a 3-way switch because it has three terminals plus ground.
How do I know if my existing switch is 3-way?
A 3-way switch has no ON/OFF marking on the lever and has three screw terminals plus ground. If the same light is controlled from two places, both switches are 3-way.
Will the brass plate fit my box?
Yes. Every plate is drilled to standard US spacing. Have a licensed electrician do the wiring, and see our step-by-step guide to replacing a light switch and our installation notes.