What is a 3 way lamp socket?

A 3 way lamp socket is a special type of light socket that allows a light fixture to be controlled by 3 switches. This allows you to control the brightness of a light fixture from multiple locations. 3 way lamp sockets work by having 3 contact points instead of the typical 2 found in regular lamp sockets. Let’s take a closer look at how 3 way lamp sockets work and how to wire them.

How Do 3 Way Lamp Sockets Work?

A standard single pole light switch and lamp socket only has 2 contacts – the hot wire and the neutral wire. This allows you to turn a light on and off from one location. A 3 way lamp socket adds a third contact point which allows for 3-way control. The 3 contacts are:

• Common Terminal – This is connected to the hot wire from the power source
• Traveler 1 Terminal – This connects to one of the traveler wires
• Traveler 2 Terminal – This connects to the other traveler wire

The traveler wires run between the two 3-way switches. By flipping one of the 3-way switches, you swap the traveler connections which changes how the light fixture is wired. This allows the switches to control the light fixture independently. One switch will toggle between the common and traveler 1 wires and the other switch will toggle between the common and traveler 2 wires. This gives you 3-way control over the light.

Types of 3 Way Lamp Sockets

There are a few different types of 3 way lamp sockets available:

• Edison Base – The standard medium Edison screw base socket that accepts a regular light bulb. This has a threaded bottom that screws into a lamp fixture.
• Candelabra Base – A smaller version of the Edison base that accepts smaller bulbs with smaller bases.
• Intermediate Base – An intermediate size base between the candelabra and Edison bases.
• Mogul Base – A larger Edison-style base for high wattage bulbs.
• Custom or Decorative Sockets – Specialty lamp sockets for designer and decorative fixtures with custom bulb bases.

The most common is the medium Edison base, but the socket type will depend on the type of light bulb being used.

Wiring a 3 Way Lamp Socket

Wiring a 3 way lamp socket involves connecting the common, traveler 1 and traveler 2 terminals to the correct wires in the light fixture electrical box:

1. Connect the common terminal to the hot source wire (usually black).
2. Connect traveler 1 terminal to the traveler wire coming from light switch 1 (usually red).
3. Connect traveler 2 terminal to the traveler wire coming from light switch 2 (usually black with red tape).

This will allow the switches to control the lamp independently. Here is a wiring diagram demonstrating how the 3 way lamp socket connections should look:

The power source hot is connected to the common. Each traveler wire coming from the switches connects to its own traveler terminal. This allows the switches to toggle the common connection between traveler 1 and 2 to control the light.

How to Install a 3 Way Lamp Socket

Here are the steps to install a 3 way lamp socket:

1. Turn off power to the circuit at the breaker.
2. Open the light fixture electrical box and ensure the wires are labeled properly – common (black), traveler 1 (red), traveler 2 (black w/ red tape).
3. Connect the common wire to the gold or black colored terminal on the 3 way socket.
4. Connect the traveler 1 wire to the brass/bronze colored terminal.
5. Connect the traveler 2 wire to the silver colored terminal.
6. Attach the socket to the light fixture – screw in an Edison base or affix with a bracket.
7. Insert light bulb and restore power.
8. Test that both switches can now control the light independently.

Make sure all connections are secure and no bare wire is exposed. Follow all electrical codes and safety procedures when wiring. Install a proper wattage light bulb that the socket is rated for.

3 Way Lamp Socket Benefits

Here are some benefits of using a 3 way lamp socket in your lighting:

• Convenience – Allows a light to be controlled from multiple locations for easier use.
• Flexibility – Dim or brighten lights from different spots in a room.
• Mood lighting – Set different scenes by varying light brightness.
• Energy savings – Only have lights on at minimal needed brightness.
• Safety – No need to walk in dark to turn lights off.

The ability to have multi-point control over permanent lighting fixtures makes 3 way sockets very useful in many circumstances.

3 Way Lamp Socket vs Standard Socket

Here is a comparison between a standard single pole lamp socket vs a 3 way socket:

Feature	Standard Socket	3 Way Socket
Number of Contacts	2	3
Switches Supported	1	2 or more
Controls	On/Off Only	Multi-Location/Dimming
Wiring Required	Hot + Neutral Only	Hot, Neutral, 2 Travelers

The key differences are the extra traveler contacts and complex wiring in the 3 way socket. But this enables much more versatile lighting control.

Where are 3 Way Sockets Used?

Here are some common locations where you will see 3 way lamp sockets utilized:

• Staircases – Allows control at top and bottom of stairs.
• Large Rooms – Control lights from multiple doorways or entries.
• Outdoor Entrances – Control porch lights from inside and outside.
• Garages – Switch control near house door and garage entry.
• Hallways – Control hall lights from both ends or multiple doors.

Any location where multi-point lighting control is advantageous will benefit from installing 3 way lamp sockets.

Tips for Choosing 3 Way Sockets

Here are some tips when shopping for 3 way lamp sockets:

• Match the socket base to your light bulb – i.e Edison, candelabra, etc.
• Check the socket’s wattage rating to ensure compatibility.
• Buy quality sockets that are UL approved with durable contacts.
• Choose the right switch style – toggle, decorator, dimmer, etc.
• Buy a matching socket to the existing if replacing only one.
• For wet areas, purchase sockets labelled as weather or damp resistant.
• Make sure you have sufficient electrical box space.

Taking the time to choose the optimal 3 way socket for your lighting needs will provide the very best fixture performance and safety.

Conclusion

3 way lamp sockets provide convenient multi-point control over permanent lighting fixtures. The 3 separate contacts allow 2 different switches to toggle the light on and off independently. Installing 3 way sockets involves proper wiring using a hot source, neutral, and 2 traveler wires connected to switches. When shopping for 3 way sockets, match the base to the bulb type, check wattage ratings, and ensure optimal safety and durability. Utilizing the flexibility of 3 way lamp sockets allows you to create the ideal lighting control for your home.