The three way switch is a variation of the standard single pole switch which controls a light only from one locationa third type is the four way switch which is used in conjunction with two three way switches to control lighting from more than two locationsthis configuration may be used in open plan homes or in large kitchens or great rooms where a central bank of lighting fixtures might. This wire diagram shows the wiring for source power into the first three way switch then 3 wire cable to the next 3 way light switch and then on to the light or light fixtures.

3 Way Light Switching New Cable Colours Light Wiring
Show me a diagram of a three way switch. In this diagram two 3 way switches control a wall receptacle outlet that may be used to control a lamp from two entrances to a room. 3 way switched outlet wiring. For example a long hallway or stairway might use a pair of three way. In this diagram the electrical source is at the first switch and the light is located at the end of the circuit. Three wire cable runs between the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.
3 way switch wiring diagram 2 above shows the electric circuit power source comes into the light fixture box. Wiring a 3 way light switch. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. The cable wires lead to a second 3 way switch box on the right side. Wiring diagram 3 way switch with light at the end. 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.
3 way switch wiring diagram. Three wire cable runs between the switches and the outlet. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. The basic 3 way switch wiring diagram this is the most common and the easiest wiring diagram to follow of any of the wiring diagrams for a 3 way switch circuit. This circuit is wired the same way as the 3 way lights at this link. Most common is the single pole switch the type used to control a light fixture from a single locationthe next most common is the three way switch which is commonly used to control a light fixture from two different locations.
In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. The black and red wires between sw1 and sw2 are connected to the traveler terminals. Heres how to wire a three way switch with easy tips from the family handyman. 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. Wall switches used to control ceiling light fixtures or other fixtures come in three types.
This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Traveler wires are interchangeable. Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. 3 way switch wiring diagram 1 above shows that the electric circuit source power is located at the left side 3 way switch box.