This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Power through switch light is controlled by two three way switches with the light between the switches and the power first going through a switch then to the light and onto the second three way switch.
3 Way Switch Wiring Diagram
Wiring a 3 way light switch diagram. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. So what you should see if you have correct 3 wire electrical cable romex is a black power white neutral and now a 3rd red wire. Wiring a 3 way light switch. See alternate 3 way switch wiring configuration for another way 3 way switches may be wired. The black and red wires between sw1 and sw2 are connected to the traveler terminals. The ground wire is pigtailed with a wire connector at the switch boxes and the ceiling 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. 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. The diagrams below show the conventional wiring for 3 way switches. The electrical source is at the first 3 way switch and the hot wire connects to the common there. No longer allowed after 2011 nec if no neutral wire in switch boxes 3 way switch wiring diagram light fixture between switchesline voltage enters the first 3 way switch outlet box light fixture is located between switch boxesno longer allowed after 2011 nec if no neutral wire in switch boxes.
Three wire cable runs between the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light. Wiring a 4 way switch with light at the end. Fixture between two three way switches. First run a 2 wire cable from the wall power to the black screw on 1 of the switches. Now discussing 3 way light switch wiring diagram as also discussed above the color codes of the wires as having three insulated conductors as black as hot red as switch wire or called traveler and white as common wire as also shown when light is connected to both black and white wires. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.
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. Wiring diagram 3 way switch with light at the end. 3 way switch wiring diagram line to light fixtureline voltage enters the light fixture outlet box. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. In this basic 4 way light circuit 3 wire cable runs between all the switches and 2 wire cable runs from the last switch to the light. In this diagram the electrical source is at the first switch and the light is located at the end of the circuit.
Regardless of what 3 way switch wiring diagram youre following youll need to use a 3 wire cable to connect the two 3 way light switches. Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.