Wiring a 3 way light switch. 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.
How Do I Wire Three 3 Way Switches In One Gang Box To Three
Wiring a two way switch to a three way switch. All three way switch and 2 way switch wiring diagrams have the same basic components. If you are trying to troubleshoot a 3 way switch operation you will need to identify the function of each wire. A basic two way switch is pretty straight forward. Go to my switch terminology page where i discuss the terms used for the different types of home electrical switches. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Each 3 way switch in these examples are controlling the power source to the same load.
Single pole switches with one switch controlling one light are marked with an on and off position. 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. The spdt toggle switch can be considered as a two way light switch as it has three terminals and works very similar to the two way light switch. The green is for the ground wire and the other two on either side are for the black hot wire. Wiring a 2 way switch is about as simple as it gets when it comes to basic house wiring. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.
For wiring i have selected the standard way with a 37v lithium ion battery as the power supply. First of all we need to go over a little terminology so you know exactly what is being discussed. Then a 4 wire cable going between the two 3 way switches and then a 3 wire cable going from the switches to the load. Youll only have three screws. Take a look at the switches in your home. When wiring a 3 way switch circuit we will be using a 3 wire cable known as romex coming from the source such as the breaker box.
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. The following image shows a typical spdt toggle switch with its terminals. Wires consisting of a line a load a neutral a pair of travelers and two 3 way switches. A three way switch has no marking because there is no consistent on or off position. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.
The on off can change depending on the position of the second three way switch. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram.
Gallery of Wiring A Two Way Switch To A Three Way Switch
