Understanding Staircase Lighting with 2-Way Switches
One of the first practical projects young engineers encounter is the staircase lighting setup. This setup uses a 2 way switch wiring, allowing you to control a light from two different locations, ideal for staircases.
Components Required
- Two 2-way switches
- Bulb
- AC supply
- Connecting wires
Two-Wire Control Method
This older method connects the live wire to the common terminal of the first switch. The other terminals of both switches are cross connected. The light connects to the second switch and is neutral. The light is off when switches are in opposite states, similar to an Ex-NOR gate.
Three-Wire Control Method
This modern method short-circuits the common terminals of both switches. One terminal of each switch connects to the live wire, and the other terminal to the lamp. The light is on when switches are in different states, akin to an Ex-OR gate.
Applications
- Staircases
- Large rooms with multiple entry/exit points
- Controlling AC appliances from two locations
This setup provides a simple and effective solution for controlling lights in various scenarios.
For a detailed video tutorial, check out the link below: 2 Way Switch Wiring
