The most basic circuit with only two wires at the switch. This allows a single light to be turned on or off from any of the switches.

3 Way Switch Wiring Diagram
3 way lighting circuit diagram. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. In this diagram the source for the circuit is at the light fixture and the two switches come after. Here we have a 3 way switching lighting circuit sometimes called two way switching with intermediate. Wiring a 3 way light switch is certainly more complicated than that of the more common single pole switch but you can figure it out if you follow our 3 way switch wiring diagram. The first step in any electrical project is to make sure there is no power going to the circuit you plan to be working on. The electrical symbol indicates where power enters the circuit.
3 way light switch schematic diagram using a two wire control. Two way switching 2 wires. Wiring a 3 way light switch. A three way switch is fundamentally different in its operation from a regular two way switch. Switches are shown as dotted rectangles. Basic 3 way switch diagram how to wire 3 way light switch step by step.
3 way switch diagrams for multiple light fixtures. This is where two switches control the same light or lights. It is true that there are several wiring configurations for wiring 3 way light switches and all of the wiring configurations will depend on where the incoming circuit power is located and once that is identified the rest of the three way wiring connections are straight forward. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. L and n indicate the supply. Here is our selection of three way light switch circuit diagrams.
Two wire cable runs from the light to sw1 and 3 wire cable runs between sw1 and sw2. Knowing how to wire a three way lighting switch comes down to understanding the operation of this contraption. If you are familiar with wiring a two way lighting circuit then the addition of an extra switching point will not be much of a problem. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. Earth wires are not shown. Three way switch lighting circuit diagrams.
The 3 way lighting circuit which is often referred to as the two way and intermediate lighting circuit is a common arrangement usually found in large houses. These diagrams show various methods of one two and multiple way switching. This page shows it wired in the old cable colours if your house has the new colours you want to go. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. 3 way switch wiring with light first. You must completely forget about the notion of a switch being a simple openclosed circuit and look at the diagram of the circuitry of this modern alternative.
3 way switch wiring diagram. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. Turn the power off at circuit breaker.