With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. Three wire cable runs between the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light.
3 Way Switch Wiring Diagrams Do It Yourself Help Com
Wiring a light on a 3 way switch. First run a 2 wire cable from the wall power to the black screw on 1 of the switches. 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. 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. 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. Connect the wire marked common to the black or dark colored screw. Connect the ground wire to the green screw.
When wiring a 3 way switch first screw the terminal screws of the new switch until they are difficult to turn. The ground wire is pigtailed with a wire connector at the switch boxes and the ceiling box. Connect the two remaining traveler wires to the two brass or light colored screws. 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. In this diagram the electrical source is at the first switch and the light is located at the end of the circuit. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.
Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. Wiring a 3 way light switch. 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 line to light fixtureline voltage enters the light fixture outlet 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.
Fixture between two three way switches. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. Wiring diagram 3 way switch with light at the end. The black and red wires between sw1 and sw2 are connected to the traveler terminals. Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram.