With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. We can number the tabs on the left from top to bottom 1 2 and 3.
Video On How To Wire A Three Way Switch
Basic 3 way switch wiring. The diagrams below show the conventional wiring for 3 way switches. This wire diagram shows the wiring for source power into the first three way switch then 3 wire cable to the next 3 way light switch and then on to the light or light fixtures. You might also like this humbuckersoup article. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. Traveler wires are interchangeable. When it comes to the 3 way switch wiring use a black wire in the top 2 wire conductor to attach the switch to the source.
Wiring a 4 way switch. Wiring a 3 way light switch. Unfortunately not all 3 way switches are wired the conventional way. 3 way switch wiring diagram. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. Telecaster three way switch wiring now to satisfy the title of this article and wire up the three way switch.
Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. Wiring a 3 way switch is a little more tricky than wiring a 2 way switch. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. Im also showing the negative return wiring for the bilge pump in this step. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Notice the fuse shown this needs to be circuit protected with an inline fuse like this one.
Id rather have a dead battery than a swamped boat. See alternate 3 way switch wiring configuration for another way 3 way switches may be wired. First of all we need to go over a little basic terminology on switches. Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. If you have any problems with these switches it may be best to call an electrician. In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box.
Look at the bottom of the toggle switch and arrange it so there are three tabs on the left side and one tab on the right. This way even if your battery switch is off if your boat starts filling with water the pump will still kick on. To do this the opening steps getting ready and assembling tools remains the same. It should also help in understanding the functions of each type of switch. Go to my switch terminology page where i discuss the terms used for the different types of home electrical switches. Wiring a 2 way switch how to wire a 2 way switch how to change or replace a basic onoff 2 way switch wiring a 3 way switch how to wire a 3 way switch how to wire a 3 way switch circuit and teach you how the circuit works.
However that is not the only way to convert a single pole switch to a 3 way. 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. If you want to go another way you can. The basic 3 way switch wiring diagram this is the most common and the easiest wiring diagram to follow of any of the wiring diagrams for a 3 way switch circuit. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. Wiring diagrams for 2 way switches 3 way switches 4 way switches outlets and more.
Gallery of Basic 3 Way Switch Wiring
