First run a 2 wire cable from the wall power to the black screw on 1 of the switches. If the words on and off arent embossed on the switch and its one of two switches that control a single light or receptacle you have a three way switch.
3 Way Switch Wiring Electrical 101
3 wire light switch. The red and black are used for hot and the white neutral wire at the switch box allows for powering a timer remote control or other programmable switch. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. Three wire supply cables generally carry red and black hot wires of 110 to 120 volts each with a single white neutral wire. A 3 way wall switch controls a common light or set of lights from two separate switch locations. 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. Installing a 3 way light switch is a much more involved process than installing a single pole light switch.
Before proceeding make sure you are comfortable working with electrical wires and switches. A three way switch is a handy convenience to control a light from two locations such as at the top and bottom of a staircase. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Connecting a two wire light fixture to a three wire power supply cable is not an ordinary occurrence. However it can be done with a little patience and attention to detail. There are a number of configurations that can be used for wiring a 3 way switch.
This guide highlights the procedures for replacing a broken 3 way electrical switch. Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. Two 3 way switches are required in any 3 way application. Because the electrical code as of the 2011 nec update requires a neutral wire in most new switch boxes a 3 wire cable runs between the light and switch. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.
This is an updated version of the first arrangement. To wire a 3 way light switch youll need 2 3 way light switches 2 2 wire non metallic cables 1 3 wire non metallic cable and 2 6 inch grounding wires. Wiring a 3 way light switch. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. Bn link 7 day programmable in wall timer switch for lights fans and motors single pole and 3 way compatible with spdt both use neutral wire required white no backlight 41 out of 5 stars 518 1599 15.
Gallery of 3 Wire Light Switch
