How to 12V 3-Way Switches (to Control Camper Van Lights from two locations)

EXPLORIST life Mobile Marine & Off-Grid Electrical

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Check out the full electrical installation tutorial for this build: • DIY CAMPER VAN ELECTRI...
Three way switches allow you to control a set of lights from two separate locations in your camper van. This video will show you how to wire them.
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-...
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/...
➤Here is the switch face we used: rockerswitchpros.com/product/...
Not sure what wire size to use? Check out our 12V Branch Circuit Guidebook: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-...
➤Shop the EXPLORIST.life Store: shop.explorist.life
➤Shop Battle Born Batteries: battlebornbatteries.com?afmc=explorist_bb67
➤Binge the Transit Van Build: • The Ultimate Camper Va...
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful with planning and installing your DIY Camper:
➤DIY Sprinter Camper Van Electrical Install - Full Tutorial: • DIY Sprinter Camper Va...
➤DIY Camper Solar Wiring Diagrams: www.explorist.life/solarwirin...
➤How to Perform a Power Audit: • How Much Solar Power D...
➤Basic Parts & Components of an Electrical System: • Basic Solar Parts Need...
➤How to Cut Wire: www.explorist.life/how-to-cut...
➤How to Strip Wire: • How to Strip Wire from...
➤How to Crimp Wire: • How To Crimp Wire Lugs...
➤How to Make MC4 Connectors: • How To Make MC4 Connec...
➤How to Wire Solar Panels in Series-Parallel: • How to Wire Solar Pane...
➤How to Crimp Wire Ferrules: • How to Crimp Ferrules ...
➤How to Wire an AC/DC Breaker/Fuse Box: www.explorist.life/how-to-wir...

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4 июн 2022

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@EXPLORISTlife 2 года назад

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: ru-vid.com/group/PLmvhcyi4n0TVfA4XCYJBkzfUXunSON1zX

@themoabpearl5711 Год назад

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

@CihaPet Год назад

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 Год назад

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

@averybasch Год назад

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

@DojiKing Год назад

@@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😂

@NotTooShabbyVans 24 дня назад

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

@reisenvanlife3285 6 месяцев назад

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

@libertybell144 2 года назад

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 года назад

Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

@melc1008 2 года назад

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

@seymourwrasse3321 Год назад

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

@rickbohlen7681 Год назад

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 Год назад

Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

@phillbradshaw7190 9 месяцев назад

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

@EXPLORISTlife 9 месяцев назад

Hey @phillbradshaw7190, Thanks so much! Cheers!

@redwood1957 2 года назад

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

@waynec2962 2 года назад

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

@EXPLORISTlife 2 года назад

Hey Wayne C, Thanks so much! Cheers!

@garykreutzer1239 Год назад

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 Год назад

Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

@northwiebesick7136 6 месяцев назад

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...

@Honeymoondockers Год назад

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?

@Dronerangerspro Год назад

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

@EXPLORISTlife Год назад

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

@tomwilliam5118 2 года назад

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

@eksine Год назад

excellent tutorial, it's very well explained

@EXPLORISTlife Год назад

Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

@Wade970 Год назад

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

@daviscrt 2 года назад

Great information. Thanks again. Don

@our_trucking_life3729 2 года назад

Awesome, really needed help with this, thanks

@EXPLORISTlife 2 года назад

Glad it was helpful. Cheers!

@AbandonAllLogic 2 года назад

Super helpful content! Thank you for these videos!

@EXPLORISTlife 2 года назад

Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

@chachi5975 2 года назад

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 Год назад

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

@chachi5975 Год назад

@@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 Год назад

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.

@halfabee 11 месяцев назад

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.

@kcorbitt1985 2 года назад

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

@patrickcorbin1069 7 месяцев назад

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.

@smittykirsten743 Год назад

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 Год назад

Yep! That dimmer is in the description of this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-dn77-CbxR4g.html

@dylanstoecker4101 Год назад

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 (:

@theasiamtmgroup 5 месяцев назад

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.

@jinnagriffin2682 Год назад

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

@williammeans4926 3 месяца назад

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

@FixitFred Год назад

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 Год назад

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

@gattaca5911 2 года назад

graphic is helpful thanks for that effort.

@EXPLORISTlife 2 года назад

Glad it was helpful!

@huntemburns 2 года назад

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 года назад

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.

@bartpatterson2769 Год назад

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

@EXPLORISTlife Год назад

These switches don't have lights on them.

@njfilmpro-nickbrown4009 Год назад

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

@SamCarleton Год назад

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 Год назад

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

@OldExodus 8 месяцев назад

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 8 месяцев назад

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.

@robcatterton8244 4 месяца назад

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.

@christianhenningsen1933 4 месяца назад

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?

@seymourwrasse3321 Год назад

subbed channel and saved video for future reference

@darwinburton955 2 года назад

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 года назад

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.

@tex4x484 10 месяцев назад

Thank you

@wsjomelingiii 3 месяца назад

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.

@TheAvidFlyFisherman Месяц назад

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 Месяц назад

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 Месяц назад

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

@471OCKS13 2 года назад

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 года назад

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.

@chrisowen2925 Месяц назад

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 Месяц назад

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!

@claywilson1782 15 дней назад

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 15 дней назад

Grab some switches and lights and try it out!

@mermaidvanvb 2 года назад

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 года назад

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

@jedhansen4229 Год назад

@@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!

@billyk7831 Год назад

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 Год назад

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

@campingboy9213 Год назад

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.

@FatherTed233 Год назад

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 Год назад

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

@garykreutzer1239 Год назад

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

@EXPLORISTlife Год назад

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.

@martycash2649 Год назад

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 Год назад

Bench test it and see. 🙂🙂

@mycheallhamlet1603 Год назад

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 Год назад

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

@sarahlindseyanderson1474 Год назад

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 Год назад

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 Год назад

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

@wanderingzythophile9083 Год назад

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 Год назад

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 Год назад

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 Год назад

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

@wanderingzythophile9083 Год назад

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

@craftedbyalvint Год назад

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

@EXPLORISTlife Год назад

Not in this case, no.

@saater92 3 месяца назад

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 3 месяца назад

2 dimmers, 1 each side of the switch **

@EXPLORISTlife 3 месяца назад

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

@cycleoflife7331 Год назад

I diagram show multiple lights would be a great help

@EXPLORISTlife Год назад

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

@Thatoneninja22 Год назад

Does each section of lights need its own fuse ?

@EXPLORISTlife Год назад

Yep.

@dmnetmarket 2 года назад

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

@EXPLORISTlife 2 года назад

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

@hoffmaniaks Год назад

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 Год назад

Household switches are not rated for DC current.

@mycheallhamlet1603 Год назад

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

@EXPLORISTlife Год назад

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.