Which way up do you install 3 way switch?
#1
01-16-16, 09:27 AM
Which way up do you install 3 way switch?
I know there is no code for this but I'm asking just out of curiosity what others are doing.
When you have 3 way switch (or even 4 way) which way up do you install?
I install switch so that both switch has to be in different position (one side down and one side up) for light to turn on.
Most people probably don't care as long as it works, but for some reason I feel this looks better.
Also, do you install ground up or down with 120V outlets?
I see more and more people are installing outlet with ground up and many angled plugs now come with ground up.
When you have 3 way switch (or even 4 way) which way up do you install?
I install switch so that both switch has to be in different position (one side down and one side up) for light to turn on.
Most people probably don't care as long as it works, but for some reason I feel this looks better.
Also, do you install ground up or down with 120V outlets?
I see more and more people are installing outlet with ground up and many angled plugs now come with ground up.
#2
01-16-16, 09:51 AM
The answer to both questions is it doesn't matter. In fact you can even mount them sideways then the question becomes right or left and again the answer is it doesn't matter.
Some say in hospitals receptacles are mounted ground up so if a piece of metal falls while the plug is partly pulled out it won't hit the hot and neutral simultaneously but that that really seems a stretch of probabilities and while it may be a rule at some hospitals it is not code.
Some also use the position of the receptacle to identify the circuit use in some non residential settings but again not code just convention.
Some say in hospitals receptacles are mounted ground up so if a piece of metal falls while the plug is partly pulled out it won't hit the hot and neutral simultaneously but that that really seems a stretch of probabilities and while it may be a rule at some hospitals it is not code.
Some also use the position of the receptacle to identify the circuit use in some non residential settings but again not code just convention.
#3
01-16-16, 09:52 AM
Member
When you have 3 way switch (or even 4 way) which way up do you install?
Also, do you install ground up or down with 120V outlets?
#4
01-16-16, 01:26 PM
I personally install 3-way switches so that both down is off, and both up is off. Usually, this means that pushing one up, turns the lights on - which then matches standard SPST switches. Plus, being a bit OCD, I tend to make sure they are turned off by pushing them both down.
#6
01-16-16, 04:23 PM
ray2047: The answer to both questions is it doesn't matter.
CasualJoe: On some projects you have to watch the specs because the architect may specify which way the receptacles are to be positioned
Zorfdt: I personally install 3-way switches so that both down is off, and both up is off.
Furd: I install them so that stamped TOP is on top.
#9
01-17-16, 03:54 AM
I agree with Jim. Both switches down for OFF. Walk across the room and turn on the lights, one is up and the other is down. Walk back across the room and turn the lights off, both switches are UP. OCD is curable, but you have to work at it and move on.
#10
01-17-16, 04:38 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
I have 3 and 4 way switches and I have to walk to the other switch to make sure they are the same way. $ way's are the worst.
