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circuit·IEC 60617·electrical, residential·complexity 2/3·since v0.1.0

Two-way stair light

A correct two-location lighting circuit using two SPDT switches and a pair of traveler conductors, with a fused live feed and neutral return.

For the electrical installer

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circuit·§ IEEE 315
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Two-way stair light Circuit schematic with 5 components Two-way stair light V_mains220VacF116AS1S2Lamp
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Scenario

A stair or hallway lamp must be operable from either end. That requires a changeover switch at each location and two traveler conductors between them; two ordinary on/off switches in series do not provide the same behavior.

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How to read

Each switch selects one traveler. The lamp is energized when both switches select the same continuous path and de-energized when they select different paths, so changing either switch changes the lamp state. Neutral returns directly from the lamp to the source on the lower rail.

Circuit syntax