The black and red wires between sw1 and sw2 are connected to the traveler terminals. 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.
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3 way switch wiring variations. Wiring a 3 way light switch. Components of 3 way switch wiring. Unfortunately not all 3 way switches are wired the conventional way. Wiring diagram for a 3 way switch one of the many wiring diagrams showing different methods of wiring a three way switch circuit. All three way switch and 2 way switch wiring diagrams have the same basic components. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.
This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Fixture between two three way switches. See alternate 3 way switch wiring configuration for another way 3 way switches may be wired. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. The alternate 3 way switch wiring configuration california or west coast was used as a way to wire 3 way switches and be able to supply line voltage to either switchthis configuration is no longer allowed as the neutral is not present in each switch box. Here are several variations of using 3 way switches to control lights from two locations.
Wires consisting of a line a load a neutral a pair of travelers and two 3 way switches. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. The ground wire is pigtailed with a wire connector at the switch boxes and the ceiling box. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. Power through switch light is controlled by two three way switches with the light between the switches and the power first going through a switch then to the light and onto the second three way switch. Conventional 3 way wiring is not very complexwith conventional wiring the line line voltage connects to the common of one switch.
Colors are shown consistent with the nec. Before reading this page you may want to visit 3 way switches and 4 way switches. This electrical wiring diagram shows power into light switch box 1 wire to light from switch box 1 and from switch box 1 to three way light switch box 2. 3 way switch wiring diagram. The diagrams below show the conventional wiring for 3 way switches. I am wiring a circuit using 3 way dimmer switches.
Three wire cable runs between the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light. In this diagram the electrical source is at the first switch and the light is located at the end of the circuit. If you are trying to troubleshoot a 3 way switch operation you will need to identify the function of each wire. The power goes to the first switch then to a number of cans in the ceiling then to the second switch. Below is perhaps the simplest arrangement panel to switch to switch to light. 3 way dimmer switch wiring variations electrical question.
If you have any problems with these switches it may be best to call an electrician. Wiring diagram 3 way switch with light at the end.
Gallery of 3 Way Switch Wiring Variations
