Well show you how to wire three way switches. Regardless of what 3 way switch wiring diagram youre following youll need to use a 3 wire cable to connect the two 3 way light switches.
Video On How To Wire A Three Way Switch
House wiring 3 way light 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. 3 way switched outlet wiring. First run a 2 wire cable from the wall power to the black screw on 1 of the switches. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. Start by turning off the power to the circuit youll be working on at the main electrical panel. This old house host kevin oconnor gets pro tips for findingand replacinga faulty three way light switch.
Once youre done youll be able to control a light from two switches. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. If youre simply replacing a 3 way switch the diagrams below will show the different scenarios on how your circuit could possibly be wired. The wiring is more complicated than a traditional single pole switch but well explain how to make the connections. Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram. How to wire a 3 way light switch.
Wiring a 3 way light switch. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. No longer allowed after 2011 nec if no neutral wire in switch boxes 3 way switch wiring diagram light fixture between switchesline voltage enters the first 3 way switch outlet box light fixture is located between switch boxesno longer allowed after 2011 nec if no neutral wire in switch boxes. In this diagram two 3 way switches control a wall receptacle outlet that may be used to control a lamp from two entrances to a room. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. So what you should see if you have correct 3 wire electrical cable romex is a black power white neutral and now a 3rd red wire.
3 way switch wiring diagram line to light fixtureline voltage enters the light fixture outlet box. Now discussing 3 way light switch wiring diagram as also discussed above the color codes of the wires as having three insulated conductors as black as hot red as switch wire or called traveler and white as common wire as also shown when light is connected to both black and white wires. Three wire cable runs between the switches and the outlet. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. On wiring a 3 way circuit. 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.
In my mind wiring is one thing but to look at a diagram as the one above and understand the principle involved that is the key to do it yourself house wiring. Test the switches with a voltage tester to ensure the power is off. This circuit is wired the same way as the 3 way lights at this link.
Gallery of House Wiring 3 Way Light Switch
