The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be.
3 Way Switches Electrical 101
Diagram of 3 way switch. See alternate 3 way switch wiring configuration for another way 3 way switches may be wired. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. It shows the elements of the circuit as streamlined shapes and the power and also signal links in between the devices. First run a 2 wire cable from the wall power to the black screw on 1 of the switches. Regardless of what 3 way switch wiring diagram youre following youll need to use a 3 wire cable to connect the two 3 way light switches. 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.
In the above 3 way switch wiring diagram at each switch the black wire gets connected to the copper or black screw. Unfortunately not all 3 way switches are wired the conventional way. Wiring a 3 way light switch. The black screw on a 3 way switch diagram is for the continuous hot wire that comes from the circuit. The diagram below is based on the video you watched above. 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.
With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. 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. Traveler wires are interchangeable. Three wire cable runs between the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light. A 3 way switch wiring diagram is a simple drawing showing how to connect the wires to each of the four screws on the 3 way switch. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch.
A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. 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. If you have any problems with these switches it may be best to call an electrician. What is the black screw for on a 3 way switch diagram. The diagrams below show the conventional wiring for 3 way switches.
A wiring diagram is a simplified conventional photographic depiction of an electric circuit. In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. 3 way switch wiring diagram. 3 way switch wiring diagram depicting all wires in the ceiling junction box. Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. So what you should see if you have correct 3 wire electrical cable romex is a black power white neutral and now a 3rd red wire.
Wiring diagram 3 way switch with light at the end. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. This is the 3 wire cable which you must have to wire a 3 way. Assortment of fender telecaster 3 way switch wiring diagram.