However it can be done with a little patience and attention to detail. Two 3 way switches are required in any 3 way application.
Travelers How To Wire A Light Switch
3 wire light switch. Three wire supply cables generally carry red and black hot wires of 110 to 120 volts each with a single white neutral wire. First run a 2 wire cable from the wall power to the black screw on 1 of the switches. Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. This guide highlights the procedures for replacing a broken 3 way electrical switch. A 3 way wall switch controls a common light or set of lights from two separate switch locations.
Connecting a two wire light fixture to a three wire power supply cable is not an ordinary occurrence. Bn link 7 day programmable in wall timer switch for lights fans and motors single pole and 3 way compatible with spdt both use neutral wire required white no backlight 41 out of 5 stars 518 1599 15. If the words on and off arent embossed on the switch and its one of two switches that control a single light or receptacle you have a three way switch. The red and black are used for hot and the white neutral wire at the switch box allows for powering a timer remote control or other programmable switch. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. To wire a 3 way light switch youll need 2 3 way light switches 2 2 wire non metallic cables 1 3 wire non metallic cable and 2 6 inch grounding wires.
Installing a 3 way light switch is a much more involved process than installing a single pole light switch. Because the electrical code as of the 2011 nec update requires a neutral wire in most new switch boxes a 3 wire cable runs between the light and switch. There are a number of configurations that can be used for wiring a 3 way switch. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Before proceeding make sure you are comfortable working with electrical wires and switches.
This is an updated version of the first arrangement. A three way switch is a handy convenience to control a light from two locations such as at the top and bottom of a staircase. Wiring a 3 way light switch. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. 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.
Gallery of 3 Wire Light Switch
