There are several ways to install a 3 way light switch. 3 way switch installation 3 way light switches duration.
3 Way Switch Variations
Diagram of 3 way light switch. In this diagram the electrical source is at the first switch and the light is located at the end of the circuit. Wiring a 3 way light switch. A 3 way light switch allows you to control a light source from two separate points. The black and red wires between sw1 and sw2 are connected to the traveler terminals. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. 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.
Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. Three wire cable runs between the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light. Unfortunately not all 3 way switches are wired the conventional way. See alternate 3 way switch wiring configuration for another way 3 way switches may be wired. The diagrams below show the conventional wiring for 3 way switches. Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram.
3 way switch wiring diagram line to light fixtureline voltage enters the light fixture outlet box. If you have any problems with these switches it may be best to call an electrician. The methods shown here are some of the safest and most versatile though not the only options. 3 way switch wiring diagram depicting all wires in the ceiling junction box. Wiring diagram 3 way switch with light at the end. Although a 3 way is one of the hardest electrical circuits to figure out its also one of the most useful.
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. Phil crockett 120333 views. How to wire a 3 way switch system duration. 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. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. 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.
Skills and trade 344643 views. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. In the above 3 way switch wiring diagram at each switch the black wire gets connected to the copper or black screw. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. Wall switches used to control ceiling light fixtures or other fixtures come in three types. Now discussing 3 way light switch wiring diagram as also discussed above the color codes of the wires as having three insulated conductors as black as hot red as switch wire or called traveler and white as common wire as also shown when light is connected to both black and white wires.
For example a long hallway or stairway might use a pair of three way.