Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. Wiring a 3 way light switch.
Three Way Switch With Light In The Middle Electrical Diy
Wiring a three way switch to a light. First run a 2 wire cable from the wall power to the black screw on 1 of the switches. The ground wire goes through both switch boxes and the ceiling light box and it is connected at all junctions except the light with a pigtail short piece of wire and wire connector. 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. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Connect the ground wire to the green screw. In the ceiling light fixture electrical box one black wire from a 3 way switch gets connected to the black load wire on the light fixture.
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. If your 3 way light switch 2 is connected between the power supply and the light fixture as is most common. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. 3 way switch wiring diagram line to light fixtureline voltage enters the light fixture outlet box. In the above 3 way switch wiring diagram at each switch the black wire gets connected to the copper or black screw. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.
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. Connect the two remaining traveler wires to the two brass or light colored screws. The existing 2 wire black and white romex can still be used to connect a 3 way switch 2 and the light fixture. Each 3 way switch in these examples are controlling the power source to the same load. The most basic three way switch setup has two switches that connect and control one light fixture like switches on either end of a hallway staircase or large living area. 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.
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. Connect the wire marked common to the black or dark colored screw. 3 way switch wiring diagram depicting all wires in the ceiling junction box. When wiring a 3 way switch first screw the terminal screws of the new switch until they are difficult to turn. Two three way switches control one light with the electric power coming through the first switch flowing to the second switch and then to the light fixture. Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram.
Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch.
Gallery of Wiring A Three Way Switch To A Light
