Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. Each 3 way switch in these examples are controlling the power source to the same load.
Easy Way To Tell 3 Way Light Switch Common Load Hot Wire Wiring Video
On a 3 way switch which wire is the common. 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. When wiring a 3 way switch circuit we will be using a 3 wire cable known as romex coming from the source such as the breaker box. Traveler wires are interchangeable. Then a 4 wire cable going between the two 3 way switches and then a 3 wire cable going from the switches to the load. A 3 way switch will not have the words on or off written on it. Turn main power off if possible for safety.
If there is a bare ground wire attach that to the ground lug of the switch. Iâ ve decided to put this faq together to help those with questions about installing ge 3 way switches. It may be a different colored screw usually black while the others are brass colored or there may be a stamping on the side or back of th. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. Connect the wire marked common to the black or dark colored screw. Wall switches used to control ceiling light fixtures or other fixtures come in three types.
Connect the ground wire to the green screw. Connect the two remaining traveler wires to the two brass or light colored screws. Most switches have the common marked. The return wire for circuits u. 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. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch.
3 install the first 3 way switch in the box with the hot wire attaching the hot wire to the common terminal of the switch. Make sure power is off. A three way wall switch is a common type of light switch that makes it possible to control a ceiling light or other electrical fixture from two different locations in a room. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. Replace any regular switches with the 3 way switches. When wiring a 3 way switch first screw the terminal screws of the new switch until they are difficult to turn.
The hot wire from the breaker usually black neutral. In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. For example a long hallway or stairway might use a pair of three way. Traveler wire terminals these are located on each side of the switch towards the top of the switch. 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. In a hallway or large room for example installing three way switches at both ends lets you turn the light fixture on or off from both locations.
Wiring a 3 way light switch. Attach the other two wires the travelers to the other two terminals of the switch.
Gallery of On A 3 Way Switch Which Wire Is The Common
