Which switch combination is correct for controlling a light from three different locations?

To control a light from three different locations, the correct configuration involves using two 3-way switches and one 4-way switch.

In this setup, the two 3-way switches serve as the starting and ending points of a circuit. They allow for two-position control of the light, meaning you can turn the light on or off from either of those locations. The 4-way switch, placed in between the two 3-way switches, enables additional control, allowing you to toggle the light from the third location.

This configuration is effective because the 4-way switch can change the path of the electrical current, offering multiple on and off options without restricting the flow based on the positions of the 3-way switches. By utilizing this combination, it’s possible to control a single light fixture from three places seamlessly, providing flexibility in managing lighting in large spaces or multi-story buildings where distance between two controls is substantial.

In contrast, using three 3-way switches alone would not function correctly since there needs to be a way to create a continuous circuit path while allowing for the extra control location, which the dedicated 4-way switch facilitates. Other combinations would lack the necessary elements to achieve the desired control from three points.