Why do we call a 3 way switch a 3 way and not a 2 way. I cant tell you how many times a customer has asked me this question and Im tired of not having an answer for them other than "thats just what they call em".

Way means wires. A three-way switch has three terminals, A four-way switch has four terminals.

I am not old enough to know why.

I always tell them "This switch has a mate" or "Can you control this light from more than one switch?" etc. I try not to use trade terminology it only confuses the customers. I call receps "plugs", everyone understands that.

I thought they did it just to confuse the homeowners and make electrical work more "mysterious". Therefore leading to more job security for us electricians

As soon as we straighten out the 3way terminology, somebody tell me :

Why do we park on driveways and drive on parkways?

I think a plumber came up with the name!
LOL j/k

As some of you already know, over here in England a 3-way switch is called a 2-way. A 4-way is known as an "intermediate" switch.

In general electronics work we always use ways to refer to the number of positions, i.e. a 4-way rotary switch is one which connects the common to any of four terminals.

Grape nuts..... you open up the box.... no grapes.... no nuts...... what is the deal ???

Don't feel bad. The pineapple is neither a pine nor an apple; it's a berry. Also, the peanut is neither a pea nor a nut; it's a bean.

I thought a peanut was a legume.

Yes, a peanut is a legume (like peas and beans).

Hot water heaters do not heat hot water.


Dnk....