This guide highlights the procedures for replacing a broken 3 way electrical 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.
How To Wire A 3 Way Switch Smart Home Mastery
3 way switch common wire. Wiring a 3 way light switch. In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. The hot wire from the breaker usually black neutral. 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. It may be a different colored screw usually black while the others are brass colored or there may be a stamping on the side or back of th. Turn main power off if possible for safety.
Traveler wire terminals these are located on each side of the switch towards the top of the switch. For example a long hallway or stairway might use a pair of three way. Make sure power is off. Attach the other two wires the travelers to the other two terminals of the switch. Before replacing any 3 way switches that are broken turn off the power at the breaker box. 3 install the first 3 way switch in the box with the hot wire attaching the hot wire to the common terminal of the switch.
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. Traveler wires are interchangeable. A 3 way wall switch controls a common light or set of lights from two separate switch locations. Iâ ve decided to put this faq together to help those with questions about installing ge 3 way switches. Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. Most switches have the common marked.
Two 3 way switches are required in any 3 way application. 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. Replace any regular switches with the 3 way switches. If there is a bare ground wire attach that to the ground lug of the switch. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.
Wall switches used to control ceiling light fixtures or other fixtures come in three types. 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. A 3 way switch will not have the words on or off written on it. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together.
Gallery of 3 Way Switch Common Wire
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