Switches

zooter7878

Is there anywhere i can find a single pole-3way double rocker switch.

Teetorbilt

You may have to go commercial. What style and box size are you dealing with?

__________________
You can't solve you're problems with the same level of thinking that created the problems.

Albert Einstein

Atricaudatus

I am assuming that your looking for a duplex (two switches on one yoke) switch to fit in a single gang box. (If I'm misundertanding, feel free to set me straight.)
If that's the case, why not just use a duplex 3-way and simply wire one of the switches to function as a single pole? In other words, only use the common and one of the two traveler terminals. The only difference would be it wouldn't have FFO and NO ... er, I mean, OFF and ON, written on the handle.

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-Rhett
Licensed electrician and plumber

mdshunk

I t hought that this forum area was for electricians and such. 'Single pole' and 'three way' describe two different switches, and 'double rocker switch' describes nothing at all. This is not how an electrician would describe such a switch.

What you want would be properly described as a Decora 3 way and single pole combination device. Should be a stock item at a genuine electrical supply house.

PipeGuy

Not being an electrician, I too was puzzled by what a 3-way single pole switch might be. I resigned myself to imagining that Rhett had properly deciphered the post. I'd say he nailed it. Looks to me like this is exactly what the guy wanted duplex switch - combimation single pole / 3-way

If it's not, don't blame me, I just do sewers.

Atricaudatus

The "double rocker" terminology sorta threw me too, which is why I assumed he was referring to a duplex-style switch. I wouldn't beat him up too bad, given the differences in regional trade slang. Down here a "handy box," a "utility box," and a "Raco 660" are all used to describe the same thing.

I worked up north a few times where "banjo box" and "trailer" were used to describe items I knew as "gang box" and "drop cord."

Below the Mason-Dixon line, a "trailer" is what someone loses when there's a hurricane or a divorce.

Good sleuthing, figuring out he wanted a Decor device. I missed that part. :Thumbs:

And this MUST be the forum for electricians, since I saw the thread on the "grounds up / grounds down" debate. Who else but us sparky's would argue over that?

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-Rhett
Licensed electrician and plumber

Atricaudatus

Thanks Pipe! But "deciphered" is exactly the right word, and I think mdshunk's answer was closer to the target. The terminology in the original post had me scratching my head for a moment. Guess I shoulda scratched for a few moments longer. After thinking on it, I have heard Harvey Homeowner refer to Decor devices as "rocker switches."
It is a challenge to give someone a helpful answer sometimes when they use terms that don't accurately identify what they're asking about.

I don't do sewers anymore (I sub it out) but I still get a call now and then. Here's one you'll like Pipe:

One of these out of state third party maintanence outfits that coordinates service work for (national discount store) had a sewer stoppage and called in a local franchise of (nationally known sewer and drain outfit) who managed to get their sewer auger stuck in the pipe. So what do they do? They cut it off and left it in the pipe, then left the job! I got a good laugh, but refered them to the guy I send all my sewer work to. He ought to get a good payday out of that one.

__________________
-Rhett
Licensed electrician and plumber

PipeGuy

That's what I love about the trades. You get to see and hear the damndest things. I wish I had a nickel for every crazy thing I've seen that when telling someone about it I'm met with disbelief. Keep havin' fun

Teetorbilt

Atri is right about regional terminology.
I worked with a guy from ME who seemed to speak an entirely different language when it came to tools and equipment. I have run into the same thing across the country and in Canada.
Want to have some real fun? Go to SW Loosiana and hang with them cajun's for a few weeks.

__________________
You can't solve you're problems with the same level of thinking that created the problems.

Albert Einstein

PipeGuy

The first time someone said to me "I need you to carry me home" I thought they were crazy.

boogie

what you need is a combination single pole /3 way switch available in white or ivory at home depot or lowes sells for about $8 bucks dont forget the .22 coverplate

Tom R

Yeah, - - you got that right, - - I worked with those cajuns about 20 some years ago, - - down in New Iberia (20 miles south of Lafayette), - - different festival every weekend, - - crawfish, beer, shad, boudain, - - you name it, - - hard to even understand 'em talkin, - - it's like livin' in another country, - - everythings called somethin' different, - - I call a nail-puller a cat's-paw, - - they call it a pig's-foot, - - every other person's name down there is either Hebert or Beaudreaux, - - but fun, - - hell, yeah, - - never known another place like it.

Teetorbilt

Ever had better food? Those folks squeeze every drop out of life.

__________________
You can't solve you're problems with the same level of thinking that created the problems.

Albert Einstein

Tom R

Food, women, wine, song, - - they got it all, - - most interesting place and people I've ever experienced, - - a little behind the times, but you never missed a beat there.

zooter7878

Thanks guys. I'm not an electrician exactly,so if my terminology is wrong sorry. I work for an insurance restoration comp. I really apreciate your help. Take it easy.

mdshunk

Reason #1 why you shouldn't be doing this and an actual electrician should.

zooter7878

Don't get mad, I just enjoy learning new aspects of construction. I may be able to help you sometime. Relax brother

shimmerl

does dimmer control low wattage light fixtures?

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shimmerl

hey zooter u r right learning is good but teaching must be better right?

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mdshunk

This looks like this user is using Babelfish to post. Me not understand.