Important note about your safety. In this diagram the incoming hot wire attaches to the first switchs common dark colored terminal.
3 Way Switch Wiring Diagram
How to wire up a three way switch. Before replacing any 3 way switches that are broken turn off the power at the breaker box. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. A 3 way wall switch controls a common light or set of lights from two separate switch locations. Traveler wires are interchangeable. Heres how to wire a three way switch with easy tips from the family handyman.
This guide highlights the procedures for replacing a broken 3 way electrical switch. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. 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. 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. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. Two 3 way switches are required in any 3 way application.
Before you grab your toolbox and set out to wire a three way switch wire a ceiling fan or any other electrical work be sure to take proper safety precautionsthis type of electrical work isnt overly complicated but any electrical work can be dangerous if you dont know what youre doing. The two hot wires of three wire cable connect to a pair of. This 3 way switch wiring diagram shows how to wire the switches and the light when the power is coming to the light switch. 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. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. 3 way switch wire diagram power to light switch.
The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. First run a 2 wire cable from the wall power to the black screw on 1 of the switches.
Gallery of How To Wire Up A Three Way Switch
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