Al a homeowner from temecula california. 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.
How To Wire A 4 Way Switch
Wire needed for 3 way switch. 3 way switches can be quickly identified by the 3 screw terminals in addition to the greengnd screw terminal. When wiring a three way switch you will need 3 wire cable coming from the power source and then 4 wire cable going between the two switches. The circuit is 12 gauge. All the 4 way switches are optional. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Wall switches used to control ceiling light fixtures or other fixtures come in three types.
Here are another couple of variations of 3 and 4 way switch circuits. The three way switch is a variation of the standard single pole switch which controls a light only from one locationa third type is the four way switch which is used in conjunction with two three way switches to control lighting from more than two locationsthis configuration may be used in open plan homes or in large kitchens or great rooms where a central bank of lighting fixtures might. Can i use 14 gauge wire for the switchtraveler run with a 3 way switch. 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. This electrical question came from. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram.
Wiring a 3 way light switch. You can also add as many 4 way switches as you like in place of any one shown in the circuits that follow. If you only need two switches leave out both the 4 way switches. What size wire should be used for 3 way switches question. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. 3 way switches explained how to wire 3 way light switch duration.
Wiring a three way switch. Each 3 way switch in these examples are controlling the power source to the same load. 3 way switch wire colorsthere is no standard for wire colors on 3 way switch travelersthe colors will vary depending on whether nm cable or conduit was used. With nm cable the wire colors for travelers will be black and red using 3 wire cablewith conduit the wire colors for travelers could be any color. Wiring from the. For example a long hallway or stairway might use a pair of three way.
Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. 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. 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. Here is an example of a light in the middle of the run. The engineering mindset 480796 views. This extra wire between the switches in needed for the traveler wires.
With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. Thanks for your electrical question al. How to wire a three way switch duration.