I want to control a 12VDC motor from two separate places in my motorhome using toggle switches. This motor drives an air compressor which I want turn on or off, either from outside the coach or from inside. How can I do this?

 

Use two two-way switches (single pole double throw, SPDT) as below except using your 12V instead of the mains. Then whatever the state of the motor either switch will change it.

 

Use two two-way switches (single pole double throw, SPDT) as below except using your 12V instead of the mains. Then whatever the state of the motor either switch will change it.

Unless you want it to be a reversing switch - you need to put the motor and battery in series.

 

Unless you want it to be a reversing switch - you need to put the motor and battery in series.

Oops! Very true. So it should look more like this (motor = lamp!).

 

Ah - of course. A simple three-way switch. Duh! Thanks for waking me up Albert.

 

Two way/three way, depends on your country of origin!
Max.

 

Two way/three way, depends on your country of origin!
Max.

Does it? How does that work then?
Is it like where is the first floor in a building?

 

N.A. 3 way, UK 2 way. Same thing.
To me the 2 way makes more sense.
Max.

 

N.A. 3 way, UK 2 way. Same thing.
To me the 2 way makes more sense.
Max.

I learn something new every day

 

And....More than 2 switches, N.A. 4 way, UK Intermediate switch.
Max.

 

And....More than 2 switches, N.A. 4 way, UK Intermediate switch.
Max.

"America and England are two nations divided by a common language." -Winston Churchill.

 

I always thought it was George B. Shaw?
Max.

 

Eventually we learn the nuances: e.g. bits, boot, bonnet, 2-way/3-way etc. So that's why country is important.

 

Ah - of course. A simple three-way switch. Duh! Thanks for waking me up Albert.

His reversing switch could also provide off state braking by shorting the motor in any position other than run.

 

Slight update info.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiway_switching
Max.