Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. A 3 way switch circuit is explained and described in detail including visual animation and practical application.
How Three Way Light Switches Work
How to wire in a three way light switch. Wiring a 3 way light switch. Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram. Connect the ground wire to the green screw. The existing 2 wire black and white romex can still be used to connect a 3 way switch 2 and the light fixture. Wall switches used to control ceiling light fixtures or other fixtures come in three types. A 3 way switch will not have the words on or off written on it.
Connect the wire marked common to the black or dark colored screw. First run a 2 wire cable from the wall power to the black screw on 1 of the switches. When wiring a 3 way switch first screw the terminal screws of the new switch until they are difficult to turn. 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. Replace any regular switches with the 3 way switches. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.
Video includes the bonus addition of adding a 4 way switch. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. 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. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. Before you start installing take a look at your new 3 way switch to identify all of the terminals that you will be connecting wires to. Traveler wire terminals these are located on each side of the switch towards the top of the switch.
For example a long hallway or stairway might use a pair of three way. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. Connect the two remaining traveler wires to the two brass or light colored screws. 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 your 3 way light switch 2 is connected between the power supply and the light fixture as is most common.
Gallery of How To Wire In A Three Way Light Switch
