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Two-Way Switching

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Understand the two-way switch

A two-way switch has three terminals and an internal contact that moves between them.

Outside and simplified inside views of a two-way switch, showing COM, L1, L2, and the moving contact

How it works

COM is the common terminal.

When the rocker changes position, the internal contact connects COM to either L1 or L2.

That changing connection is what makes two-way switching possible.

COM connects to either L1 or L2 — never both at the same time.