3 way switch wiring diagram line to light fixtureline voltage enters the light fixture outlet box. I have detailed quite extensively why a two wire control system can be problematic in the article 2 way switch with 2 wire control.
Apnt 146 Standard 3 Way Lighting Circuit With Intermediate
3 way light circuit wiring diagram. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. Three wire cable runs between the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light. 3 way switch wiring diagram depicting all wires in the ceiling junction box. All the issues raised there apply here too especially if used in stairways and the switches are on different floors. 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. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.
In the ceiling light fixture electrical box one black wire from a 3 way switch gets connected to the black load wire on the light fixture. Regardless of what 3 way switch wiring diagram youre following youll need to use a 3 wire cable to connect the two 3 way light switches. Wiring diagram 3 way switch with light at the end in this diagram the electrical source is at the first switch and the light is located at the end of the circuit. So what you should see if you have correct 3 wire electrical cable romex is a black power white neutral and now a 3rd red wire. Before you begin wiring 3 way switches you must understand this in order for you to have a three way circuit you should have three way switches. Three wire cable runs between the switches and the outlet.
If you are familiar with wiring a two way lighting circuit then the addition of an extra switching point will not be much of a problem. In the above 3 way switch wiring diagram at each switch the black wire gets connected to the copper or black screw. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. The 3 way lighting circuit which is often referred to as the two way and intermediate lighting circuit is a common arrangement usually found in large houses. Finding three way switches to purchase isnt hard in. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch.
No longer allowed after 2011 nec if no neutral wire in switch boxes 3 way switch wiring diagram light fixture between switchesline voltage enters the first 3 way switch outlet box light fixture is located between switch boxesno longer allowed after 2011 nec if no neutral wire in switch boxes. Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram. The answer to how it works is to have an extra hot wire that runs between the two switch boxes. This circuit is wired the same way as the 3 way lights at this link. 3 way switched outlet wiring. If you are adding wiring for a three way light switch then use the 3 wire control system.
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 a 3 way light switch. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Wiring a 3 way switch isnt that difficult.
Gallery of 3 Way Light Circuit Wiring Diagram
