Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your 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 Light Switch Family Handyman
Connection diagram of 3 way switch. Three wire cable runs between the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light. They are wired so that operation of either. Three way switches are used in large hall rooms where controlling of light from different places is required. 2 way switch 3 wire system new harmonised cable colours 2 way switching means having two or more switches in different locations to control one lamp. Two very old three way switches. Wall switches used to control ceiling light fixtures or other fixtures come in three types.
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. Traveler wires are interchangeable. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. Unfortunately not all 3 way switches are wired the conventional way. Below is a simple 3 way schematic that can be applied to all three way electrical light switch connections. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be.
3 way switch schematic wiring diagram. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. The black and red wires between sw1 and sw2 are connected to the traveler terminals. In this diagram the electrical source is at the first switch and the light is located at the end of the circuit. Wiring diagram 3 way switch with light at the end.
This is only a wiring schematic and not the actual wiring method used for 3 way switch installations. Two very old three way switches are depicted in the photo above. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. See alternate 3 way switch wiring configuration for another way 3 way switches may be wired. If you have any problems with these switches it may be best to call an electrician. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch.
With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. The diagrams below show the conventional wiring for 3 way switches. For example a long hallway or stairway might use a pair of three way. Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. The three way switch is used to control one light or bulb from two separates places. First of all lets identify the terminals of the 3 way switches then we will see the connection of 3 way switch.
3 way switch wiring and 3 way switch connection diagram. Wiring a 3 way light switch. 3 way switch wiring diagram. 3 way switches wiring digram 3 switch one light control diagram three way lighting circuit this video shows how to wire a three way lighting circuit this means that you can have three separate.