In addition to the two contacts of the standard socket, a third contact is added. The metal threads of the bulb base touch the socket shell, which creates the neutral connection, and this is how the electrical circuit is completed.Ī 3-way socket has three electrical contacts. When a standard bulb is screwed into a standard socket, a matching contact on the bottom of the bulb presses against the metal tongue in the center of the socket, creating the live connection. The threaded metal shell is itself the neutral contact (contact three in photo). In the center of the bottom of a standard socket is the hot contact (contact one in photo), which typically looks like a small metal tongue bent over. Three-way bulbs Ī standard screw lamp socket has only two electrical contacts. In recent years, LED 3-way bulbs have become available as well. Ĭertain compact fluorescent lamp bulbs are designed to replace 3-way incandescent bulbs, and have an extra contact and circuitry to bring about similar light level. Lamp bulbs with dual carbon filaments were built as early as 1902 to allow adjustable lighting levels. So unlike incandescent bulbs controlled by a dimmer, the color of the light does not change between the three steps of light available.
#3 way light table lamps full#
In 3-way incandescent light bulbs, each of the filaments operates at full voltage. A 3-way lamp requires a 3-way bulb and socket, and a 3-way switch.
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