First run a 2 wire cable from the wall power to the black screw on 1 of the switches. This 3 way switch wiring diagram shows how to wire the switches and the light when the power is coming to the light switch.
The Best 3 Way Switch Explanation Ever
Wire for three way switch. The two hot wires of three wire cable connect to a pair of. 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 precautionsthis type of electrical work isnt overly complicated but any electrical work can be dangerous if you dont know what youre doing. Traveler wire terminals these are located on each side of the switch towards the top of the switch. Second switch is an end wired or end of run switch. 3 way switch wire diagram power to light switch. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be.
Two 3 way switches are required in any 3 way application. Strip all three wires with wire strippers. A 3 way wall switch controls a common light or set of lights from two separate switch locations. You should have three remaining wires in each box. Take your three way switch. Tipthe traveller wire is connected in the light ceiling boxes with a length of neutral wire taped black to indicate a hot wire.
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. In this diagram the incoming hot wire attaches to the first switchs common dark colored terminal. A three way switch is fundamentally different in its operation from a regular two way switch. Wall switches used to control ceiling light fixtures or other fixtures come in three types. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. Before replacing any 3 way switches that are broken turn off the power at the breaker box.
Neutral wire bypasses first three way switch. Two black and one red. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. 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. A 3 way switch will not have the words on or off written on it. The ground wire is pigtailed throughout.
You will see a black screw and two gold screws on the switch. Knowing how to wire a three way lighting switch comes down to understanding the operation of this contraption. This guide highlights the procedures for replacing a broken 3 way electrical switch. For example a long hallway or stairway might use a pair of three way. 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. Replace any regular switches with the 3 way switches.
Both three wire and two wire cable with ground are used. Important note about your safety. Remember the black wire that you wrapped around the traveler wires is the common. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your 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.
Gallery of Wire For Three Way Switch
