Three-way switches are a special kind of switches that are mostly used when you need to have control of a switch from two places, such as installing it at two different places in a huge hall.
The best 3-way light switch comes in pairs and are somewhat different than the regular switches.
If you’re also interested in buying a 3-way switch and want to control a circuit from two separate locations, this article is just for you.
You don’t need to go through hundreds of switches available online and rather compare the switches I’m going to mention in my top picks.
Not only will it save your time, but it’ll make sure you don’t fall into some cheap quality switches and only buy what’s the most suitable for you.
So, let’s start without any further ado.
7 Best 3 Way Light Switch Reviews
I’ve personally reviewed some of the most famous and highly rated switches available online.
After comparing the top ones from each other and going through their customer reviews and ratings, here are the top 7 picks, in my opinion.
1. Lutron Claro CA-3PS-WH Switch
Coming in as the top pick, we have this push-button style 3-way switch offered by Lutron.
Coming in a very basic and intuitive design, it’s very easy to use and doesn’t have a very complex design.
This makes the installation process quick and seamless, which is the reason it doesn’t take more than 20 minutes to install this switch, even if you’re a novice.
There are various colors and designs it’s offered to match it with your wall décor easily.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Durable metal build
- A lot of colors available
- Good value for money
- Fast installation
Cons
- The plastic back casing isn’t very tough.
- Not good with back wiring
2. Legrand Radiant Rocker Wall Switch
Coming in rocker switch style, this 3-way switch by Legrand is probably one of the most affordable and cheap ones you will come across.
However, the price isn’t so apparent by its looks and work. With a stylish design, it fulfills all the functions pretty nicely.
The operation is smooth, and the construction is quite durable. You can easily expect it to go for a long time.
Moreover, switching isn’t so ‘clicky,’ which is appreciated by many customers since loud clicks often feel like something cheap.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Very cheap
- Quiet paddle action
- Easy to control
- Classy in looks
Cons
- It doesn’t match most Legrand switches.
- A network connection isn’t so easy
3. Leviton 5603-2WM Decora Rocker
Leviton 5603 is a copper build rocker style switch, offered as a premium product. The copper build makes it long-lasting, and the switch frame is great for dust protection.
One of the best things about this is the design it comes with, making it sit well with almost any decoration you have in your rooms.
The only concern is that it’s quite expensive when seen relative to the other products we have gone through. So, it’s only considered if you don’t care much about the budget.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Adhesion is great
- Long-lasting
- Very classy outlook
Cons
- The packaging isn’t great.
- Not so good value for money
4. ENERLITES Paddle Rocker Light Switch
Yet another great value-for-money 3-way switch. Coming as a pack of 10, this is a great choice if you’re looking to install it for domestic use.
The paddle switch comes with a shallow design of body and durable build quality, making sure it lasts a long time.
However, make sure you use it with ENERLITES wall plates if you want them to fit and match the plates’ color perfectly.
There are all the instructions available inside the package needed to install so that it won’t be a hard job for you.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Impact-resistant
- High value for money
- Great packaging
- Easy installation
Cons
- Rockers are not as long-lasting as other parts
5. Leviton 1453-2W 3 Way Switch
Looking for a very durable but inexpensive 3 way switch that could handle up to 15 amps? Well, don’t forget to go through this one.
Coming with a toggle frame, this switch features an SPDT terminal with a build of thermoplastic. The installation doesn’t take a very long time, and it has quick push-in terminals.
Moreover, the triple combination screws make the wiring pretty fast. Lastly, the switch is fully impacted resistant.
All these features collectively make it one of the best value-for-money switches.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Durable construction
- Quick and easy installation
- Inexpensive
Cons
- It doesn’t come with any instructions.
- Not easy for beginners to install
6. GE 3-Way Switch
GE grounding toggle is another high value for money switch, which comes with the good build quality.
The copper construction makes it long-lasting, while the instructions available within the package make it super easy to use, even for beginners.
The terminal screws can accept up to 12 AWG Copper, and the pressure lock terminals only accept 14 AWG copper wire.
There’s a variety of colors available, so whatever your wall plate is, you can match this with it, to enhance the décor of your room.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Cheap price tag
- Easy to install
- High build quality
Cons
- Toggle positioning isn’t the best.
- Some claims they’re lazy
7. Leviton TSL06-1LW Universal 3 Way
Last but not least, we have yet another product by Leviton.
Even though this one is an expensive pick when we compare it to the rest, it completely justifies the price it comes at. Being able to handle as much as 20 amps, it’s a great switch.
It’s specially designed for dimmers and CFL bulbs, but it can also be used as a 3-way switch without any issue.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Classic design with slide control
- Built-in starting technology for CFL bulbs
- Easy to use
Cons
- Expensive
- The dimming range isn’t huge.
Buyer’s Guide
Before you move on to buy the best 3-way switch for yourself, there are first some points you need to keep in mind and analyze if you want to buy what’s suitable for you.
So, here are all those points that you need to remember.
Amps
Taking a look at the total amp-rating of the switch is important before buying it.
Make sure you know what ampere rating you need in your home, and when you do, make sure what you’re buying is capable of at least five amps more than what you need.
This way, you’ll eliminate the chance of any damages happening to your circuits or any dangerous situations.
Otherwise, if more current flows through a circuit than what it’s capable of, it might melt or fuse.
Style & Color
The style and color of the switches you buy are very important since aesthetics are equally important to the functioning when it comes to the décor of your house.
Make sure what you’re buying sits well with the setting in your house, and the color also matches the wall-plate. Otherwise, the switch may look very absurd.
For example, if your house is newly built and everything is fancy, installing an old-styled switch would shatter all the room’s beauty.
Build Quality
Build quality is a very important factor to take care of. No matter how many features a switch offers, if it cannot last long and break in a few months, there’s no use buying it.
So, before you choose a switch, always make sure you know what material it’s made from, and there are no weak points that might snap easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now, let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions by beginners.
Can a 3-way switch have a dimmer?
Yes, of course. But the dimmer will also need to be 3-way.
What is the common terminal on a 3 way light switch?
The single dark-colored screw that exists on the switch is known as the common terminal.
What is the difference between a 3 way and a 4-way switch?
Just like a 3-way switch has three terminals and can control a light from 2 locations, a 4-way switch has 3 terminals and can control a light from 3 locations.
What color wire goes to the black screw on a 3-way switch?
The black-colored wire goes to the black screw. It’s known as the common wire.
Can you use a 3-way switch as a normal switch?
You need to know the two correct contacts to use a 3-way switch like a regular switch.
Conclusion
3-way switches are crucial when you need to control a light from two different locations.
IF you’re interested in buying a good 3-way switch for any purpose, make sure you go through this article in detail.
I have discussed the top 7 picks along with their pros and cons, so it won’t take you long to decide which switch could be the best pick for you.
Also, if you’re a beginner, I suggest you go through the buyer’s guide first.
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