Once youre done youll be able to control a light from two switches. If you intend to add multiple lights with a 3 way switch use the 3 way switch for multiple lights diagram.
3 Way Switch Wiring Electrical 101
Installing 3 way switch wiring diagrams. The following 3 diagrams show the wiring for a specially made dimmer that can be used in these circuits in place of either of the the 3 way switches or both. The ground wire is pigtailed with a wire connector at the switch boxes and the ceiling box. If you are trying to troubleshoot a 3 way switch operation you will need to identify the function of each wire. Wiring a 3 way switch with multiple lights in this circuit two light fixtures are shown but more can be added by duplicating the wiring arrangement between the fixtures for each additional light. Components of 3 way switch wiring. 3 way dimmer switch wiring diagrams.
Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. The wiring is more complicated than a traditional single pole switch but well explain how to make the connections. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Well show you how to wire three way switches. 3 way switch wiring diagram.
How to wire a 3 way light switch. Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. Wires consisting of a line a load a neutral a pair of travelers and two 3 way switches. 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. On wiring a 3 way circuit.
With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. Wiring multiple lights on a 3 way switch. Here the source is at the first switch sw1 and 3 wire cable runs from there to the first light l1. Fixture between two three way switches. Power through switch light is controlled by two three way switches with the light between the switches and the power first going through a switch then to the light and onto the second three way switch. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram.
Traveler wires are interchangeable. The steps above describe installing a 3 way switch and provide a 3 way switch diagram utilizing one light fixture. This arrangement allows for lowering the lights in a 3 way circuit. All three way switch and 2 way switch wiring diagrams have the same basic components. Wiring a 3 way light switch. In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box.
The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way 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. 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.
Gallery of Installing 3 Way Switch Wiring Diagrams
