Fun fact... I used the term 'Two Way Switch' throughout this video instead of 'Three Way Switch', which is 'technically' incorrect. Three way switch is the 'correct' terminology to describe a pair of light switches that control a single group of lights. I've always incorrectly called them two-way-switches because they turn the lights on and off from two different locations and frankly... old habits die hard. They are technically called 'three way switches' because the toggles can be either: -Both up -Both down -One up w/ one down A 'Two-Way Switch' is just a standard, normal light switch because it has two positions; up or down... on and off... But nobody calls this type of switch a two way switch. In fact... by that same logic... a 'one-way-switch' would be a broken switch stuck in the up OR down position? All of that said... The term 'Three Way Switch' is Technically correct... but stupid. A switch that controls lights from two locations should be called a two way switch. Thanks for coming to my ted talk. Parts shown in this video: ➤Puck Lights (We used 10 of them): amzn.to/3NpW1sE ➤(or some silver ones if you like): amzn.to/3lw2sOT ➤EXPLORIST.life Puck Light Wiring Kit: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/camper-wiring-kits/branch-circuit-wiring-kits/12v-puck-light-branch-circuit-wiring-kit/ If you'd rather buy the parts from the kit from Amazon: ➤Red & Black Wire (we used 16 AWG): amzn.to/3lvFesn ➤2 Conductor Lever Nuts: amzn.to/3wBZY8f ➤3 Conductor Lever Nuts: amzn.to/39Li91W ➤Here is the switch we used: rockerswitchpros.com/product/v4d1-a60b/ ➤Here is the switch face we used: rockerswitchpros.com/product/contura-v-blank/ Not sure what wire size to use? Check out our 12V Branch Circuit Guidebook: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/solar-wiring-diagrams/12v-branch-circuits/ ➤Shop the EXPLORIST.life Store: shop.explorist.life ➤Shop Battle Born Batteries: battlebornbatteries.com?afmc=explorist_bb67 ➤Binge the Transit Van Build: kzread.info/head/PLmvhcyi4n0TVfA4XCYJBkzfUXunSON1zX

@themoabpearl5711

Жыл бұрын

Just answered my own question, not sure how I linked to the SPST switch.

@CihaPet

Жыл бұрын

In my 55 years, I have always heard this circuit (AC or DC) called a 3-way circuit. The name is based on the switches, as you explained, have 3 combinations.

@EXPLORISTlife

Жыл бұрын

Well,@@CihaPet , I've been around for 187 years and I thought it has been dumb for all of them.

@averybasch

Жыл бұрын

Can you do a video on 4-way (3 switches)? I would do a switch at 3 spots. Bed, Kitchen, Entrance. Thanks!

@DojiKing

Жыл бұрын

@@EXPLORISTlife fun fact in the US it called a 3 way switch but in Europe it is in fact called a two way switch. So technically you where not wrong😂

“It’s not affixed, it’s just sitting there” gets me every time 😂

The best explanation of a two-switch circuit that I've come across! Thank you!

These table-top demos are so helpful! I wanted a 2-way switch but had decided it was just one too many things I needed to learn about. Your timing on this was perfect for me. Now I am inspired to tackle this in my van. Another great video - thanks!!

@EXPLORISTlife

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

Thank you for taking the time to demonstrate the step by step and graphic animation within your video. Very much appreciated

I have been in electrical for 40 plus years, I knew this could be done with DC. I have wired untold numbers 3 and 4 way ac switches. I have been used to purpose made switches specific to the application and have been over thinking the dc set up, thanks for simplifying it for an old workhorse wearing blinders

I was racking my brain trying to figure out how to do this. With out spending tons of money. You made it look so easy! I have my notes and going shopping. Thank you.

@EXPLORISTlife

Жыл бұрын

Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

I've lost count of the # of your vids I've watched. You're a generous person & I wish U long life & prosperity

@EXPLORISTlife

10 ай бұрын

Hey @phillbradshaw7190, Thanks so much! Cheers!

awesome video! you both do a great job explaining how to do the work needed! keep up the great videos

@EXPLORISTlife

2 жыл бұрын

Hey Wayne C, Thanks so much! Cheers!

I have exterior light for my van on the way from Amazon. Now I'll be able to turn on the exterior lights from the bed and the cab! COOL!

@EXPLORISTlife

Жыл бұрын

Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

Wish I would have had this when I did my first van 20 years ago. Excellent

@EXPLORISTlife

Жыл бұрын

Hey Tim Gillespie, No problem! Glad it helped! :)

On Lands systems these are called a 3 way switch set up. The two wires between the two switches that are not the feed or switch leg are called traveller's. When wiring buildings I would develop colors for their purposes. You could do black negative red positive, switch legs and traveller's A DIFFERENT COLOR NOT YELLOW OR GREEN, Red or Black. You used them already for positive and negative, or any other colors that are already in use. Much easier to know what your looking at. A year or two later you open a box and see 2 purple wires well you know they are traveller's you see an orange wire oh that's the switch leg. If you were to put a 4way switch in your traveller's you could switch this light from as many switches you want. Thank you Mike

Great information. Thanks again. Don

excellent tutorial, it's very well explained

@EXPLORISTlife

Жыл бұрын

Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

Ooh... at first I was wondering what the use of a 2 way switch would be, but then, i remembered how it's done in a house for lights, where two(or more?) entrances should have an individual light switch to switch the same lights on or off from either switch...

Super helpful content! Thank you for these videos!

@EXPLORISTlife

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

Awesome, really needed help with this, thanks

@EXPLORISTlife

2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful. Cheers!

Very helpful. I’m curious about splitting my source and switches through relays with a similar system.

The circuit diagram was most useful I photographed it from the screen. I have issue visualising wiring and the result but once on paper I see them.

Is there any chance you could do a small update on how to wire the switch if you did want the indicator light functional? Thanks again for the detailed demonstration, it really gives people confidence that they can do it themselves in a safe manner. Keep up the good work 😁👍

@shs4x8goat

Жыл бұрын

Did you ever figure this out? I'm trying to do the same but have not been able find any sort of guide.

@chachi5975

Жыл бұрын

@@shs4x8goat I looked at the link he provided for the switch Rockerswitchpros. Their website has some wiring diagrams and a phone number you could probably call. They also make custom rocker switches so I'm definitely going to get some of those!

@i_know_nothing7788

Жыл бұрын

First you must decide what you want the indicator light to indicate. Perhaps you want it to tell you that the main light is on ! The best use is to be permanently on to show where the light switch is.

Great a lot of information that can be useful in future build. How do you wire in dimmers on both ends

Great video. My only suggestion would have been to use the wago’s only where they were needed to avoid confusion. For instance on the switch the top and bottom terminals had wagos on them but it was only 1 wire in and 1 wire to the terminal. Possibly you did it for faster switch removal in the future if ever needed but the terminal spade connectors were there for that purpose too.

@EXPLORISTlife

Жыл бұрын

You can definitely do that if you like in your own install, for sure. 😏👍

Awesome video!! If we were to do this in a 40ft bus, how would we gauge the wires between the two switches if they were on opposite sides of a larger space?

graphic is helpful thanks for that effort.

@EXPLORISTlife

2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

subbed channel and saved video for future reference

This is very helpful, my wife has mobility issues and we'd like to connect the fifth wheel water pump "lighted". Possible?

Thanks for this video. I have a question. Is there an illuminated push button that can do the same job? I want to wire an outside light that I can (for example) switch on from the drivers seat and switch off from the back of the vehicle. The switch would illuminate based on whether the light is on or off. I'd like to use a push button switch because the continuous changing of the rocker switch position would drive me crazy. I hope my question makes sense? Maybe it needs to be a double pole double throw on-on switch and only 1 side is wired? Thanks a lot, your videos are awesome.

Can you show me how to wire a a set of lights but with 3 switches

Thanks for all of the helpful content. Do you carry or know of similar switches for ac, specifically for a water heater? Looking for the same functionality and form factor but ac.

If using this approach for a water pump, would you want to use a relay for the water pump and have the switches activating the relay. Verses wiring the pump direct in a 3 way configuration.

Currently making the LED connections based on your amazing tutorial with lever nuts - was so cathartic and easy! Anyway, we bought a 12V 2-zone switch/dimmer (looks like a house dimmer switch) which is solid strand wiring. What I am wondering is if lever nuts will work on this, as you have shown for these switches, or if we should make a connection with spade connectors. Sort of off topic for this video, but would lever nuts work for the maxxfan connection as well? Or spade connectors? Thank you in advance (:

How do you wire a dimmer switch that has 4 wires seen on another channel but not clear enough like your amazing table top demos and also how do you wore up the lights on the switches. Thanks

Hi Nate. Thank you, as always, for your amazing videos and sharing of your technical expertise. Can you also provide a link to the dimmer that you use? I can't find it in any of the descriptions or comments. Thanks!

@EXPLORISTlife

Жыл бұрын

Yep! That dimmer is in the description of this video: kzread.info/dash/bejne/lqJrmY98ktu4ZMo.html

How difficult would it be to have a dimmer on each end? Would you have to wire the dimmer on the traveler wires?

Hi Nate and Steph, excellent demo video of how to wire up 3 way switches to van lights. The idea of also installing a dimmer is a great addition to any campervan setup. What's not clear to me (Im sorry if this has already been asked) can a dimmer also be place at the other switch. In effect you would have a 3 way switch and a dimmer at the front of the van followed by a 3 way switch and a dimmer at the back of the van giving you full lighting control from either end? If so, could you elaborate with a quick drawing (or video if you want) of how to do this ? BTW, excellent channel, love your videos and style.

@EXPLORISTlife

2 ай бұрын

Basically, no. Not like this, anyway. If you have two dimmers in the same circuit, they need to somehow communicate so that each dimmer 'knows' where the other dimmer is. If dimmer 1 is at 50% while dimmer 2 was at 100%, the circuit would 'probably' (I haven't tested this) be operating at 50%. In short; I think the circuit would only operate at the level of the lower dimmer. If you want that kind of control. Something like the Garmin PowerSwitch would be something to look into so you could control everything via bluetooth from your phone. This is what we used to install the lights on the front of the van with; but it could be used as interior lighting just the same.

@TheAvidFlyFisherman

2 ай бұрын

@@EXPLORISTlife Thanks for the reply... I didn't think it was possible but just wasn't sure.

Thank you to the team at Explorist Life for the video. Do you have any concerns/issues with factory dimmer wires being a much smaller gauged vs the larger gauge branch circuits?

@EXPLORISTlife

2 жыл бұрын

That doesn't matter given we fuse appropriately for the smallest wire in the circuit and don't ask the dimmer to provide more amps than it's rated for.

If you did wire the little lights on the switches, would they glow as you would want, meaning the switch lights up when the light is on, regardless of which switch is flipped up or down?

Great video, is there a way to show how to wire it so that the light on the switch works when in operation?

@EXPLORISTlife

Жыл бұрын

These switches don't have lights on them.

Once again another great educational video Nate. So if I have 3-way LED rocker switches in the same exact circuit, will the LED on both rocket switches be on when when the puck light is on?

@EXPLORISTlife

9 ай бұрын

Probably not. The switches will be 'on' when they are flowing power; so if the 1st switch is on and the 2nd switch is off, the 1st switch would light up. This is why there really isn't led light up on-on switches.

Thank you

question? i am rebuilding a cargo trailer into a camper/toy hauler. I am installing a 12v solar and battery system. i am only running 12v no 120. i have a 12v cooler in my trailer plug into a cigarette lighter port. the question is could i use this switch but reverse it so that in one on position it will run off the battery. but in the other on position while in transit mode (hooked up to my truck) it would run off the battery of my truck. so not draining the battery in the trailer? or do you know of another way other then installing 2 cigarette lighters at the same spot with each on different circuits. thanks for you time.

I want 3 locations. Rear doors, side door, and driving compartment. This way I could turn the lights on or off from the cab and also do that from either set of entry doors back or side. Would I just add a switch to the circuit in the center?

@EXPLORISTlife

2 ай бұрын

Try it out and see! I've taught you the basic skills, so now it's time to take these concepts apply it and bench test it for your own application. You've got this!

Great video, thank you. I want to wire a two-way switch up to my Victron Energy inverter in my tear drop camper, one in the kitchen, one on the inside. The difference to your setup is that I DO want that LED light working when the inverter is on. Do you have any videos on how to wire up the LED to work? I assume it is just a matter of having positive go to it and then to ground? Is there a need for a resister or anything else?

@EXPLORISTlife

Жыл бұрын

Usually it's just a matter of connecting the ground wire to the switch. Just follow the instructions on whatever switch you choose.

Thank you very much for your reply which neither addressed my question but had the added bonus of being condescending!

@EXPLORISTlife

Жыл бұрын

I wasn't being condescending. Sorry you took it that way, though. To answer your specific questions since you didn't like my actual answer. 1: Yes, you can add 4 switches to a single circuit. 2: No, I do not have a diagram for that.

So, I love this concept and I’m very curious if this is possible with 3 & 4 switch setups. Is there a way to achieve control of a bank of puck lights utilizing three switches in three locations in my van? Same question for a four switch version as well. I’ve spent a days on the inter webs trying to solve this, but I suspect I’m googling there wrong questions. I feel technically savvy, but this is humbling trying to get through this puzzle.

@EXPLORISTlife

Ай бұрын

Grab some switches and lights and try it out!

I am sure I know the answer to this question but, can I ask why you chose not to go with the switch lights? Videos are much appreciated , Thank you!

@EXPLORISTlife

2 жыл бұрын

With a two way switch, there would be times that the indicator switch would be 'on (because the switch is 'up'' but the lights would be off (I think), but ultimately... I don't want an indicator light on a switch connected to my ceiling lights because my ceiling lights are plenty of an indicator that the switch is on.

Can I ask, what's the advantage of using the levernuts over soldering in the actual van build. Fully understand the use on the bench top demonstrations.. But not final build.?

@EXPLORISTlife

2 жыл бұрын

Levernut Pros: Easy to visually check. Easy to install, uninstall, and re-install. Doesn't waste wire if a re-connection needs to be made. Has probe ports for checking voltage. Satisfies ABYC requirements. Levernut Cons: Somewhat bulky. Soldering Pros: None Soldering Cons: Difficult and time intensive to solder. The heat from soldering creates a weak point where the wires goes from stranded to solid (due to soldering) which is why ABYC specifically forbids a solder-only joint.

I diagram show multiple lights would be a great help

@EXPLORISTlife

Жыл бұрын

Sure! That's in the 12V Branch Circuit Guidebook you can find in the video description and pinned comment.

So dumb question - if I have a series of lights on this circuit - (6 puck lights) can I put this 3 way & dimmer at either end? Thx as always for a great demo.

@EXPLORISTlife

2 жыл бұрын

Both switches need to be before the lights in this setup.

@jedhansen4229

Жыл бұрын

@@EXPLORISTlife - in hoping to install 3 way switches at the front and back of the van, do you have a suggested resource on how to wire the circuit with lights in the middle and switches on each end? Thanks, so much!

great video, thanks! Maybe you already said it it the video, but.. is it possible to connect 2 dimmers on each side of the switch? Would be nice to dim from bed also :-))

@saater92

5 ай бұрын

2 dimmers, 1 each side of the switch **

@EXPLORISTlife

4 ай бұрын

Basically, no. Since the two dimmers can't communicate, they won't work in the same system.

Can you use a 3 way rocker switch with an rf switch? So a light bar can be turned on off from remote and on off from switch?

@EXPLORISTlife

Жыл бұрын

There's quite a bit of stuff you can do with the proper electrical arts and crafts.

is it possible to add 4 switches to this circuit? we would like to control the 4 areas on our 45 ft bus from any one of the areas. Could you or do you have a wiring diagram that would let us wire it as we are some what intellectually challenged lol. Thank you in advance for any help you chose to share.

@EXPLORISTlife

Жыл бұрын

Maybe 1 switch per 'room' just like in a house would be more appropriate?

Hi guys, quick question, I'm having trouble finding the SPDT rocker switches I need here in Aus, I can get DPDT rockers easily though, can I use these and just connect to one side? regards......Marty

@EXPLORISTlife

Жыл бұрын

Bench test it and see. 🙂🙂

Hey Nate, do you happen to have a suggestion for 3 way switches to buy from Amazon? I’m trying to order from Canada but shipping is to expensive from rocker switch pros.

@EXPLORISTlife

Жыл бұрын

I don't have a reliable source from Amazon, unfortunately. Sorry about that!

@campingboy9213

Жыл бұрын

Look at a Canadian marine store. I get quite a few things for my RV from marine stores. Shipping across the border is a pain.

These heat shrink female spade connectors only come in a box of 100 for ~$25 right now. I only need maybe 10 of them. Is there a product you would recommend for smaller quantity (and smaller price tag)? I'm having trouble finding something similar. Should I use a vinyl covered connector? Or can I add my own shrink wrap to an uncovered connector? Thanks!

@EXPLORISTlife

Жыл бұрын

You only need 10 of them *right now*, you mean. 😉😉 I'd just get the box of 100 for $25 and call it a day. You'll use them.

@sarahlindseyanderson1474

Жыл бұрын

@@EXPLORISTlife Hahah, touché! 😆 Just placed the order. Thank you so much!

Would you need a relay between the 12v lights and the switch? (I'm using rock lights)

@EXPLORISTlife

Жыл бұрын

Not in this case, no.

I'm curious... could you put a dimmer close to *both* of those three-way switches? I would assume so since you moved the dimmer from one side of the circuit to the other on the bench. Thanks!

@EXPLORISTlife

Жыл бұрын

I know the answer, but I challenge you to think of what would happen if one dimmer was set to medium-high, and one dimmer was set to medium-low? I'd strongly recommend bench testing that before committing to it in the build.

@wanderingzythophile9083

Жыл бұрын

I'd expect that one dimmer would have to be full-on for the other one to function properly. That's the big downside to using two dimmers - one would have to have that discipline/attention span to keep them in proper positions relative to each other.

@EXPLORISTlife

Жыл бұрын

@@wanderingzythophile9083 So basically... it wouldn't work. 🤣😅

@wanderingzythophile9083

Жыл бұрын

Hahahah! Well... considering humanity... pretty much :D

Hello. we can't fine that single pole double throw switch on Amazon. Maybe you can send me a Part Number?

@EXPLORISTlife

2 жыл бұрын

The link to that is in both the video description AND the pinned comment at the top of the comments section.

Can you install dimmers on both switch locations or do you only get one per circuit?

@EXPLORISTlife

Жыл бұрын

Just one dimmer per circuit. Otherwise the dimmers don't know where the other is and will fight against each other. If you need multiple dimmers, you'll want to look into something like a SwitchPros panel, but that's a $1,000 solution by the time all is said and done.

Looking at the 12v switches (not dimmers) you use--they're nice, but expensive. Why couldn't household 3-way switches be used rather than 12V-specific switches?

@EXPLORISTlife

Жыл бұрын

Household switches are not rated for DC current.

Does each section of lights need its own fuse ?

@EXPLORISTlife

Жыл бұрын

Yep.

What’s the LED strip link?

@EXPLORISTlife

Жыл бұрын

I think that these are the ones used in this video: amzn.to/3UaNJch

👍👍👍

I feel like I should be paying for this

What if you only want one switch in the van?

@EXPLORISTlife

2 жыл бұрын

In that case... this is the tutorial for you: kzread.info/dash/bejne/oWGNztKzotHbqqw.html

Thank you

@EXPLORISTlife

3 ай бұрын

No problem. Happy to help!

Are these on of switches okay to use for things like a regular 12v outlet as well?

@EXPLORISTlife

9 ай бұрын

Yep! Just pay attention to how much power you are trying to push through the switch from the outlet.

@LexxandDoze

9 ай бұрын

@@EXPLORISTlife you’re awesome Nate. Thank you for answering my questions every time! I appreciate you so much.