How To Wire A Three Way Light Switch - Electrical Wiring Work

This three way switch wiring diagram shows how to wire the switches and the light when the power is coming to the light switch. Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram.

Wiring A 3 Way Switch

How to wire a three way light switch. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. When disconnecting the wires mark the wire on the black or dark colored screw as common. 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. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. Family handyman in the diagram above the incoming hot wire attaches to the first switchs common dark colored terminal. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch.

Two three way switches control one light with the electric power coming through the first switch flowing to the second switch and then to the light fixture. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. Knowing how to wire a three way lighting switch comes down to understanding the operation of this contraption. A three way switch is fundamentally different in its operation from a regular two way switch. If you are having problems simply cut the wire. If the wires are stabbed into the back of the switch insert a small flat head into the slot above the wire to release.

The ground wire goes through both switch boxes and the ceiling light box and it is connected at all junctions except the light with a pigtail short piece of wire and wire connector. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. 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. You must completely forget about the notion of a switch being a simple openclosed circuit and look at the diagram of the circuitry of this modern alternative. Wiring a 3 way light switch. A loose or broken wire could explain why the switch doesnt work.

First run a 2 wire cable from the wall power to the black screw on 1 of the switches.

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