The Decora switch is a new type of light switch that comes with rectangle-shaped dimensions of about 1.25″ wide by 2.5″ tall. These switches are also called decorator, rocker, block, and flat, and the common name is Decora Switch. In this post, we will discuss its working features and other parameters. Let’s get started with an introduction to the 3-way decor switch.
Introduction to 3 Way Decora Switch
- The Decora term is defined by Leviton for defining the outlets and light switches style that is sleek design, flat faceplate, and recover switch.
- Decora is the latest design that is best to use for home designs. They have easy-to-access and simple-use features.
- These are the best options to use a 2-way switch control circuit; these switches help us to handle the load at two different points easily.
- It comes with a thermoplastic nylon design that can handle any damage due to wear and tear for longer.
- The installation process of switches is simple and comes with pushing-in and side wiring. It also operated with tungsten, resistive, fluorescent lamps, and another lighting system.
Decora Features
- The current flow range for this switch is about 15 amperes.
- Its torque range is 14–18 in. -lbs
- It controls 3-way lights at two different points.
- It can handle tungsten, fluorescent, or resistive loads with full-rated current capacity.
- This type of switch is UL-certified.
- Its terminal screws use #12 AWG copper or copper-clad wire.
- Its push-in terminals use 14 AWG-sold copper wires.
- Its casing is such that it can easily handle dust and avoid rocker binding.
- It has a longer working life.
| Brand | Leviton |
| Voltage | 120-277V |
| Dimmable | Non-Dimmable |
| Material | Thermoplastic Body |
| Certifications | UL |
| Warranty | 2-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty |
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The common types of 3-way switches are toggle and decora. They come with one common and two traveler terminals. But terminal locations for each switch are different.
3 WAY switches come with 4 terminals, one common point, and 2 travelers and ground.
In a conventional wiring system, the common wire of one switch is connected with a line, and the common wire of other switches is connected with loads. A pair of travelers on one switch is connected with a traveler pair on the other switch.
Common wire is wrapped around traveler wires to find 3-way switches and electrical boxes.
- The main advantage of Decora switches is that they can be connected with backlights. Backlights help users to easily define whether the switch is flipped on or off since they provide a glow for the complete design of the switch.
- Decora switches take up more space as compared to other types of switches. The design of decora switches can easily gather debris in the switch. So it needed regular maintenance and caused problems for switches.
Toggle Switches
- The size of toggle switches is smaller than Decora and covers small spaces. They are longer work and have metallic covering. They are used in industries and exterior projects.
- These switches come with mounting interfacing on the backside. So these switches are used for PCB boards.
- The limitation of these switches is that if lighting is required, then it is needed to use illuminated toggles. It also does not support lighting features, and it also has limited color combinations.
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- Switches are toggled down to light is off
Left switch is toggled upto light is on.
Right switch is toggled up to, light is off.
Left switch is toggled down to light is on.
Which wire goes where on a 3-way switch?
- The black live wire connected with the first switch common terminal. The 2 hor wires of the 3-wire cable are connected with a pair of brass-colored traveler pins for each switch. The fixture live wire is connected with the 2nd switch common point.
What happens if you wire a 3-way switch wrong?
- If the 3-way switch is connected faulty, that can cause mad issues. The common issue is that switches do not work well. Both will not work or single not work. If one switch faces a short circuit breaker, it will trip.
What are the red, white, and black wires on a 3-way switch?
- If blak or hot wire goes, switch on the left. 3 way runs from the switch on the left-right switch, with the white wire connected to the ground; the red and black wires have output from pins in the left switch.
What is a 3-way decorator switch?
- The 3-way switch is a type of switch that helps to control ceiling light from two operating locations. The 3-way switches are connected at both the top and bottom of the staircase or come with 3-way switches close to the door in the room at two entrances.
What are the rules of a 3-way switch?
- If both switches are in an off state, then the light is off.
- If any switch A or switch B is in the on state, the light will be on.
- If the light is on as a result of one switch in the ON state, we can turn it off from other switches irrespective of state.
Can you wire a 3-way switch with two wires?
- No, a conventional 3-way switch design needed 3 wires: hot wire, traveler wire, and neutral wire. Without 3 wires, the standard 3-way switch does not work well.
Are Decora switches better?
- The Decora switches are easy to clean and use the same switch plates as other devices.
15 AMP 3 WAY DECORA SWITCH
3-way switches are connected in pairs and help to easily control light at different 2 locations. These switches do not have ON or OFF symbols since the on and off states change when switches are in use.
3-way switches come with 3 terminal screws. The hot wire of the power supply is connected with a dark screw pin that is mentioned as COM.
The other pins are travelers and interchangeable. The switch also has a ground terminal. For replacing the old 3-way switch, mark the wire connected with the COM pin before removing the older one.
As the other 2 are interchangeable, if there is a white wire connected to the traveler pin, it is mentioned with a black tap to define it as hot. Read our More Enginering Blogs
