A 3 way wall switch controls a common light or set of lights from two separate switch locations. Remember the black wire that you wrapped around the traveler wires is the common.
3 Way Switch With Power Feed Via The Light How To Wire A
Wire for three way switch. Knowing how to wire a three way lighting switch comes down to understanding the operation of this contraption. First run a 2 wire cable from the wall power to the black screw on 1 of the switches. This guide highlights the procedures for replacing a broken 3 way electrical switch. Second switch is an end wired or end of run switch. Traveler wire terminals these are located on each side of the switch towards the top of the switch. The two hot wires of three wire cable connect to a pair of.
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. Two black and one red. Tipthe traveller wire is connected in the light ceiling boxes with a length of neutral wire taped black to indicate a hot wire. Take your three way switch. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. For example a long hallway or stairway might use a pair of three way.
You will see a black screw and two gold screws on the switch. Strip all three wires with wire strippers. 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. Wall switches used to control ceiling light fixtures or other fixtures come in three types. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. Important note about your safety.
In this diagram the incoming hot wire attaches to the first switchs common dark colored terminal. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. 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. The ground wire is pigtailed throughout. Two 3 way switches are required in any 3 way application. Replace any regular switches with the 3 way switches.
With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. 3 way switch wire diagram power to light switch. A three way switch is fundamentally different in its operation from a regular two way switch. A 3 way switch will not have the words on or off written on it. Before you start installing take a look at your new 3 way switch to identify all of the terminals that you will be connecting wires to. Neutral wire bypasses first three way switch.
You should have three remaining wires in each box. Both three wire and two wire cable with ground are used. Before replacing any 3 way switches that are broken turn off the power at the breaker box. You must completely forget about the notion of a switch being a simple openclosed circuit and look at the diagram of the circuitry of this modern alternative. This 3 way switch wiring diagram shows how to wire the switches and the light when the power is coming to the light switch.
Gallery of Wire For Three Way Switch
