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Three-Way Switches

This tutorial teaches you how to model three-way switches using the Add Switch to Switch Group command.

Open drawing E-1.1.

Insert Light Fixtures

Use the Insert Light Fixture command to insert light fixtures in the theater.
Ribbon: DM Electrical→Devices→ Insert Light Fixture icon Insert Light Fixture
Pulldown Menu: DM Electrical→Light Fixtures→Insert Light Fixture

Insert Switches

  1. Run the Insert Switch command. The Insert Switch dialog box will open.
    Ribbon: DM Electrical→Devices→ Insert Switch icon Insert Switch
    Pulldown Menu: DM Electrical→Switches→Insert Switch

  2. Set the switch type to Threeway Switch.

  3. Press the button to close the dialog box.

  4. Follow the prompts at the command line to insert a switch on the two ends of the theater.

Switch 3 ins

Connect Switches to Each Other

  1. Run the Add Switch to Switch Group command.
    Ribbon: DM Electrical→Devices→ Add Switch to Switch Group icon Add Switch to Switch Group
    Pulldown Menu: DM Electrical→Switches→Add Switch to Switch Group

  2. Select one switch, then select the other switch.

The two switches will be linked together.

Connect Light Fixtures to Switches

  1. Run the Connect Device to Switch Group command.
    Ribbon: DM Electrical→Devices→ Connect Device to Switch Group icon Connect Device to Switch Group
    Pulldown Menu: DM Electrical→Switches→Connect Device to Switch Group

  2. Select either of the switches.

  3. Select all of the light fixtures.

Circuit Switches & Light Fixtures

  1. Run the Circuiting command. The Circuiting dialog box will open.
    Ribbon: DM Electrical→Circuiting and Homeruns→ Circuiting icon Circuiting
    Pulldown Menu: DM Electrical→Circuiting and Homeruns→Circuiting

  2. Set Distribution Equipment ▾ to L1.

  3. Select a circuit that is currently a space.

  4. Press the button.

  5. Select either of the switches.

Both switches and all of the devices will be connected to the circuit.

Draw Loops & Tick Marks

  1. Run the Draw Homerun and Loops command.
    Ribbon: DM Electrical→Circuiting and Homeruns→ Draw Homerun and Loops icon Draw Homerun and Loops
    Pulldown Menu: DM Electrical→Circuiting and Homeruns→Draw Homerun and Loops

  2. Select a switch or a light fixture.

  3. Follow the prompts at the command line to insert the loops and homerun.

Notice that the loops include tick marks for the switch leg and travelers.

Switch 3 finish