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.
How To Wire A 3 Way Light Switch Family Handyman
Three way switch connection diagram. Important note about your safety. 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 the above diagram the white wire must be re identified as a hot wire at each switch location. In this diagram the electrical source is at the first switch and the light is located at the end of the circuit. Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. The white wire of the cable going to the switch is attached to the black line in the fixture box using a wire nut.
With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. If you have any problems with these switches it may be best to call an electrician. Unfortunately not all 3 way switches are wired the conventional way. Diagram 1 above shows the electricity source starting at the left 3 way switch. 3 way switch diagram 2 above shows the electricity source starting at the fixture. Before you grab your toolbox and set out to wire a three way switch wire a ceiling fan or any other electrical work be sure to take proper safety precautions.
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. The white wire between switches is not being used as a neutral. If you intend to add multiple lights with a 3 way switch use the 3 way switch for multiple lights diagram. An example of three way switch wiring with the line and load in the same 4 square electrical box. The black and red wires between sw1 and sw2 are connected to the traveler terminals. A 3 wire cable has an extra wire when compared to 2 wire cables and this wire is nearly always covered in red insulation.
Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. This third wire is necessary for 3 way switch installations. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. Wiring diagrams for 3 way switches. The diagrams below show the conventional wiring for 3 way switches. Wiring diagram 3 way switch with light at the end.
Traveler wires are interchangeable. 3 way switch wiring diagram with line and load in the same switch box. Leave 810 inches 203254 cm of wire inside each of the boxes before cutting the cable to facilitate easy splicing and connection to the switch and fixture. Three wire cable runs between the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch.
Wall switches used to control ceiling light fixtures or other fixtures come in three types. The white wire becomes the. Wiring a 3 way light switch. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. See alternate 3 way switch wiring configuration for another way 3 way switches may be wired. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.
For example a long hallway or stairway might use a pair of three way.
Gallery of Three Way Switch Connection Diagram
