This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. If you only learn one s3 method learn this one.
California 3 Way Wiring Diagram H1 Wiring Diagram
California 3 way switch wiring. With alternate light switch wiring an nm cable supplies line voltage from the electrical panel to a light fixture outlet box. A dead end 3 way switch wiring method. The white wire between switches is not being used as a neutral. S3 method 1 the basic 3way this is the best and easiest method of wiring s3s. 3 way switch wiring diagram with line and load in the same switch box. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch.
In the diagram below right a 2 wire nm cable that connects the light fixture to the switch carries 2 line wires one line and one switched line. There are 2 variations of dead end 3ways. For those who arent familiar the california or coast 3 way switching arrangement is a method of wiring a three way switch circuit that is used when both a switched and an unswitched hot are desired at both ends of the circuit as seen in this image taken from the wikipedia page on three way switches. 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. In the above diagram the white wire must be re identified as a hot wire at each switch location. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram.
If you are about to pull the wiring for a 3 way switch and you just want a basic method then use this most simple 3way switch wiring method s3 method 1. Another nm cable connects from the light fixture box to the switch box. An example of three way switch wiring with the line and load in the same 4 square electrical box. Conventional 3 way wiring is not very complexwith conventional wiring the line line voltage connects to the common of one switch. Extending the switch leg over to the common as shown in the photo above or extending the hot over to the common as described below. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.
3 way switch wiring diagram. This method is commonly used by professional electricians.
Gallery of California 3 Way Switch Wiring
