Before proceeding make sure you are comfortable working with electrical wires and switches. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch.
Standard Single Pole Light Switch Wiring Hometips
Wiring a three way electrical switch. In the above diagram the white wire must be re identified as a hot wire at each switch location. Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. 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. 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. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.
A 3 way wall switch controls a common light or set of lights from two separate switch locations. Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. This guide highlights the procedures for replacing a broken 3 way electrical switch. The black and red wires between sw1 and sw2 are connected to the traveler terminals.
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. In this diagram the electrical source is at the first switch and the light is located at the end of the circuit. 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. Wiring diagram 3 way switch with light at the end. An example of three way switch wiring with the line and load in the same 4 square electrical box. Wiring a 3 way light switch.
Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. Traveler wires are interchangeable. Important note about your safety. In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. 3 way switch wiring diagram with line and load in the same switch box.
A three way switch is fundamentally different in its operation from a regular two way switch. Three wire cable runs between the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light. The white wire between switches is not being used as a neutral. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. 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. You must completely forget about the notion of a switch being a simple openclosed circuit and look.
Gallery of Wiring A Three Way Electrical Switch
