Difference Between One-way Switch and Two-Way Switch

One of the simple devices mostly used in everyday life is switches. A switch can join or break a circuit to operate other electrical devices.

/10

Science Quiz

Test your knowledge about topics related to science

1 / 10

Permanent hardness of water may be removed by the addition of

2 / 10

What is the S.I unit of frequency?

3 / 10

What is the function of root hair cells?

4 / 10

The 'photo' in photosynthesis means to do with...

5 / 10

Which of the following gland is present in the human mouth?

6 / 10

A bond that occurs between nonmetals and nonmetals is called a/an _________.

7 / 10

Which is the type of food having maximum energy?

8 / 10

Which of the following compound is mainly used in hand sanitizer?

9 / 10

Potassium Permanganate is used for purifying drinking water, because

10 / 10

The hardest substance available on earth is

Your score is

0%

If you look closely, a switch only has two functions – on and off any electrical device. Or in other words, it connects or breaks the circuit to work specific electrical devices. 

A current can flow in the circuit till the switch is in ON position to complete the circuit. It is used for electric lights, electrical appliances, and other electric outlets. 

One-way Switch vs Two-way Switch

The difference between a one-way switch and a two-way switch is that a one-way switch has two terminals. While a two-way switch has three terminals. The number of terminals is the significant difference between them. A one-way switch has definite on and off terminals, although a two-way switch doesn’t have specific ON and OFF terminals. 

One way Switch vs Two way Switch

Want to save this article for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own articles box!

A one-way switch connects or breaks a circuit with two terminals. When the switch is on, it completes the circuit. But when the switch is off, it breaks the circuit, thereby the current doesn’t flow through the circuit.

Thus, the electrical appliance doesn’t work. Most common switches are used in every household. 

A two-way switch is a combination of two one-way switches. However, the working differs as one of the terminals can be connected to either one of three terminals.

But it can’t be connected to both terminals at a time. When one of the terminals is connected with another, hence the third terminal’s connection is broken.

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison One-way switch Two-way switch
Principle of workA one-way switch connects or breaks a circuit to operate electrical devices. A two-way connects two terminals, and one of the three terminals is left broken to operate the electrical device. 
Number of contacts A one-way switch has two contacts A two-way switch has three contacts. 
KnownA one-way switch is also known as a single-pole switch. A two-way switch is also known as a double-pole switch. 
On and off positionA one-way switch has a defined on and off position. A two-way switch does not have a specific ON and OFF position. Since it depends on the orientation of the switch.
AccessA one-way switch can be accessed from a single location only. A two-way switch is accessed from two separate locations. 
Installation and timeA one-way switch can be installed without any hassle in less time. A two-way switch is installed with complications and consumes a lot of time. 

What is One-Way Switch?

A one-way switch is commonly used in every household. It connects or breaks a circuit with the use of two terminals. When the switch is on, the circuit is complete, and the current flows through it.

Thereby, the electrical appliance works. But, When the switch is off, it breaks the circuit, and the current cannot flow through it. Hence, no appliance can work. 

The number of contacts determines the type of switch. A one-way switch has two terminals and is commonly used in small rooms and domestic electrical appliances.

In addition to terminals, a one-way switch has specific ON and OFF terminals. In short, a one-way switch has OFF and ON positions that determine the circuit to be closed or open.

And there are some specific indications on the switch to identify the on and off switch.  

Besides, a one-way switch is restricted to one location only as one cannot access it from another single place to switch on or off any electrical appliance. Coming to the installation, a one-way switch takes less time to be installed.

It gets installed easily because of its simpler functionality. Moreover, one-way switches are mostly used in smaller rooms, offices, homes, and domestic electrical appliances because the number of contacts and restrictions of one place make it easier to use. 

What is Two-Way Switch?

A two-Way Switch is not that common type of switch. It is composed of a combination of two one-way switches together. Besides, the circuit breaks and completes, as usual, allowing the flow of current through it.

A two-way switch has more contacts than a one-way switch, as a result, there is a significant difference between them. It has three terminals.

Moreover, when the switch is on, one terminal is connected to another. But the third one has a broken connection as a result. 

The three terminals cannot be connected at the same time. One of the terminals needs to be broken for working for specific electrical devices.

Coming to the usage of a two-way switch, it is not commonly used. But, it is preferable for large rooms, long corridors, and long stairways.

In addition to that, it can be accessed from two separate locations. Therefore, many people prefer a two-way switch to operate light and ceiling fans as it’s more convenient. 

Another specialization of a two-way switch, it on and off terminal is not specific because it depends on the position of a two-way switch.

There’s no consistency in the on and off position. Lastly, the installation of a two-way switch is much more complicated than a one-way switch and consumes a lot of time. 

Main Differences Between One-Way Switch and Two-Way Switch

There are many types of switches available. One of the types of switches is the one-way switches and two-way switches. Compared to a two-way switch, the one-way switch is more used. 

To operate every electrical device, there’s a need for a switch that completes the circuit to allow current to flow through it and thereby letting the electrical device work. 

  1.  The one-way switch connects or breaks the circuit to operate a specific electrical device, while the two-way switch doesn’t work as that two-terminal connects, and one of three terminals is left broken.
  2. A one-way switch has two contacts, while a two-way switch has three contacts. 
  3. A one-way is also called a single-pole switch, while a two-way switch is also known as a two-pole switch. 
  4. A one-way switch has a defined on and off position, while a two-way switch has no defined on and off position as it depends on the position of a two-way switch. 
  5. A one-way switch is restricted to one location. In contrast, a two-way switch can be accessed by two separate locations. 
  6. A one-way switch can be installed without much hassle in less time. On the other hand, a two-way switch is much more complex, therefore it takes more time. 
Difference Between One way Switch and Two Way Switch
References
  1. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-662-53015-3_6
  2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167931704002084
One request?

I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *