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Adding Single Pole and Three Way Light Switches in Your Building Layout

Switch Placement Workflow

1

Load Switch Family

Insert → Load Family — single-pole and three-way components.

2

Place at Standard Height

Most codes specify 44-48 inches AFF — set in family or override.

3

Wire to Fixtures

Systems → Wire — connect switches to controlled lighting circuits.

4

Schedule and Tag

Switch schedule confirms count; tags identify three-way pairs.

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This tutorial walks through adding single pole and three way light switches in your building layout, covering essential tools and techniques for your projects.

Once we have our lighting in place, we can add switches to control the lights. Again, we’ll turn back to our handout and notice that there is a light switch for a single-pole and a light switch for a three-way. These are shown by circles.

We notice that each classroom has a single-pole or single-throw light switch. In the hallway, there is a three-way light switch to control these lights. We can use this guide for Level One and Level Two to add all the switches to the classroom area.

Let’s take a look at a few tips and tricks before jumping in. First, I’ll zoom into this classroom area. If I switch over to the Systems menu and go to Devices, I’ll notice that Lighting Device is one of the options.

I’ll pick that Lighting Device. Again, I choose where it goes. I have Work Plane, Face, or Vertical Face.

This time, I want to select Vertical Face, essentially the face of the wall, to place the light fixture. It looks like I’m set up for the single-pole light fixture, and that’s perfect for starting. I also notice that it’s at Schedule Level One, and I’m on Level One, so that works.

I have an elevation of four feet from Level, and that’s perfect. I want all my light switches to be four feet off the ground. Now, I just zoom in, and I can click to place the light switches where I want them.

It makes sense to have a light switch right where we walk in the door so we can find it easily. I just click on the wall, and it places the light switch.

I can work my way down this row of classrooms to place a light switch in each. So, I’ll go down this row and place those light switches all the way. Each group gets a light switch.

It looks like the Nurse’s Office could also use a light switch, so I’ll place one right there. Easy peasy, I’ve got light switches. Now, I need the corridor to have a light switch.

When we walk in from the vestibule, I want a light switch. I want it to be a three-way so it can also be controlled from down the hallway. So, I’ll walk in, and I’ll place a three-way light switch right here, but it can be overridden down the hallway with a second three-way light switch.

Alright, back to you. You can follow those guides or feel free to use your own design. I don’t sweat it.

We’re just adding some lights and light switches and placing them where it seems best for you. Then, we’ll meet back again soon.