How To Wire A Three Way Electrical Switch

Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. A 3 way light switch allows you to control a light source from two separate points.

How To Wire A 3 Way Light Switch Family Handyman

How to wire a three way electrical switch. Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram. A three way switch is fundamentally different in its operation from a regular two way switch. Wire cutters and strippers. The two hot wires of three wire cable connect to a pair of. 3 way switch wire diagram power to light switch. 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.

Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. A non contact voltage tester. Traveler wires are interchangeable. In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. 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. 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.

Two 3 way switches are required in any 3 way application. Before proceeding make sure you are comfortable working with electrical wires and switches. 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. This guide highlights the procedures for replacing a broken 3 way electrical switch. In this diagram the incoming hot wire attaches to the first switchs common dark colored terminal. Although a 3 way is one of the hardest electrical circuits to figure out its also one of the most useful.

This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. The methods shown here are some of the safest and most versatile though not the only options. This 3 way switch wiring diagram shows how to wire the switches and the light when the power is coming to the light switch. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. 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.

There are several ways to install a 3 way light switch. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. You must completely forget about the notion of a switch being a simple openclosed circuit and look. 3 way light switch wiring diagram see below. 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.

A 3 way wall switch controls a common light or set of lights from two separate switch locations.