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. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram.
How Three Way Light Switches Work
How do you wire a three way switch. A three way wall switch is a common type of light switch that makes it possible to control a ceiling light or other electrical fixture from two different locations in a room. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. You dont need the other terminal on the three way switch so its fine to cover it over with electrical tape to ensure the terminals dont get mixed up. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. Just strip it push it in and tighten the screw when wiring a switch. To use a three way switch as a single pole one connect the hot wires to the common terminal and the traveler on the same side of the switch body.
The ground wire goes through both switch boxes and the ceiling light box and it is connected at all junctions except the light with a pigtail short piece of wire and wire connector. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. To wire a 4 way switch start by turning off the circuit breaker for the room youre working in. Plus find out how to wire a three way switch. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. In a hallway or large room for example installing three way switches at both ends lets you turn the light fixture on or off from both locations.
First run a 2 wire cable from the wall power to the black screw on 1 of the switches. Wiring a 3 way light switch. The back wire feature still relies on the terminal screw to clamp the wire but you dont have to bend the wire around the screw. Two three way switches control one light with the electric power coming through the first switch flowing to the second switch and then to the light fixture. 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. Then connect the black wire coming from the fixture to the black wire going to the first 3 way switch.
Heres how to wire a three way switch with easy tips from the family handyman. Next connect the white wire coming into the box to the white wire on the fixture.
Gallery of How Do You Wire A Three Way Switch
