This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Traveler wires are interchangeable.
3 Way Switch Wiring Unusual Configuration
Multiple 3 way switch wiring. Wiring a 3 way switch isnt that difficult. All three way switch and 2 way switch wiring diagrams have the same basic components. Here the source is at the first switch sw1 and 3 wire cable runs from there to the first light l1. Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. 3 way switch diagrams for multiple light fixtures. 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.
Below is perhaps the simplest arrangement panel to switch to switch to light. The most important rationale is that there are several ways that a three way switch can be wired. It is true that there are several wiring configurations for wiring 3 way light switches and all of the wiring configurations will depend on where the incoming circuit power is located and once that is identified the rest of the three way wiring connections are straight forward. Before reading this page you may want to visit 3 way switches and 4 way switches. The answer to how it works is to have an extra hot wire that runs between the two switch boxes. 3 way switch wiring diagram.
A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. In other words a 3 way switch is made up of one light thats controlled by two separate switches. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. A reader of this site had a question about wiring 3 way light switcheseach 3 way switch box would contain a single pole switch each controlling a lightinstructions for 3 way and single pole switches using nm cableline voltage supplying both 3 way and single pole switches3 wire nm cable from 3 way to 3 way normal 3 way wiring2 wire from single pole to single pole for line and neutral. Colors are shown consistent with the nec. Here are several variations of using 3 way switches to control lights from two locations.
With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. This is a scenario where you have 2 light switch locations that control a single light fixture unless. Wiring a 3 way light switch. If you are trying to troubleshoot a 3 way switch operation you will need to identify the function of each wire.
The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. Components of 3 way switch wiring. Wires consisting of a line a load a neutral a pair of travelers and two 3 way switches. Wiring a 3 way switch with multiple lights in this circuit two light fixtures are shown but more can be added by duplicating the wiring arrangement between the fixtures for each additional light. In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box.
Gallery of Multiple 3 Way Switch Wiring
