Traveler wires are interchangeable. Go to my switch terminology page where i discuss the terms used for the different types of home electrical switches.
Charleston Home Inspector Explains How To Wire A Three Way
Wiring a three way switch. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. 3 wire cable runs to the switches on each side of the light. 3 way switch wiring diagram. 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. Three way switch wiring source in middle. First of all we need to go over a little basic terminology on switches.
Wiring a 3 way switch is a little more tricky than wiring a 2 way switch. It should also help in understanding the functions of each type of switch. 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. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. At the light the hot source wire is spliced to the black wire running to the common terminal on sw2. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram.
Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. Wiring a 3 way light switch. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. 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.
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. In this arrangement the source for the circuit is at the light fixture which is located in the middle of the circuit.
Gallery of Wiring A Three Way Switch
