This is only a wiring schematic and not the actual wiring method used for 3 way switch installations. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.

3 Way Light Circuit Wiring Diagram Wiring Diagrams
3 way wiring diagram for lights. Ideally a switch is an ideal conductor but realistically its got a little bit of resistance between both contacts. This arrangement allows for lowering the lights in a 3 way circuit. Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. Below is a simple 3 way schematic that can be applied to all three way electrical light switch connections. Wiring multiple lights on a 3 way switch. 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.
The steps above describe installing a 3 way switch and provide a 3 way switch diagram utilizing one light fixture. The following 3 diagrams show the wiring for a specially made dimmer that can be used in these circuits in place of either of the the 3 way switches or both. As with the other diagrams on this page more lights can be added by duplicating the wiring arrangement between the fixtures. 3 way switch wiring diagram. Wiring a 3 way switch isnt that difficult. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch.
Traveler wires are interchangeable. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. In other words a 3 way switch is made up of one light thats controlled by two separate switches. Here the source and the fixtures come before the switches. The most important rationale is that there are several ways that a three way switch can be wired. This diagram illustrates another multiple light circuit controlled by 3 way switches.
In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. The answer to how it works is to have an extra hot wire that runs between the two switch boxes. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. 3 way switch diagrams for multiple light fixtures. 3 way switch schematic wiring diagram. Whether you must use a 4pdt switch or another switch in your pcb altium.
3 way dimmer switch wiring diagrams. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. If you intend to add multiple lights with a 3 way switch use the 3 way switch for multiple lights diagram. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. Wiring diagram for 3 way switch with 4 lights. Wiring 2 lights and 3 way switches.
Theodore handsmith march 17 2019. Wiring a 3 way light switch. Two very old three way switches are depicted in the photo above. Two very old three way switches. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. 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.