Wire cutters and strippers. A 3 way wall switch controls a common light or set of lights from two separate switch locations.
Common Problems And Solutions Of Wiring A 3 Way Switch
How to wire a 3 way electrical light switch. Either way complete these five steps for 3 way light switch wiring. Its likely youll also need to replace the existing switch box with a larger one to accommodate the extra wires for the 3 way switch. The purpose of a three way electrical switch knowing how to wire a three way lighting switch comes down to understanding the operation of this contraption. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. You must completely forget about the notion of a switch being a simple openclosed circuit and look.
Before proceeding make sure you are comfortable working with electrical wires and switches. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. 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. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. A non contact voltage tester. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together.
First run a 2 wire cable from the wall power to the black screw on 1 of the switches. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. 3 way switch 2 3 way wire which has black white and red coated wires and of course a copper ground wire electrical boxes of appropriate size to hold 3 way switch and wire. Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram. In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. Add an electrical box for the second 3 way switch in the basement.
Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. 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. 3 way light switch wiring diagram see below. A three way switch is fundamentally different in its operation from a regular two way switch. Traveler wires are interchangeable. Two 3 way switches are required in any 3 way application.
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. This guide highlights the procedures for replacing a broken 3 way electrical switch. Turn off the correct circuit at your electrical panel.
Gallery of How To Wire A 3 Way Electrical Light Switch
