There are several ways to install a 3 way light switch. If you have any problems with these switches it may be best to call an electrician.
Wiring A 3 Way Switch
Wiring diagram for a three way light switch. 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 electrical source is at the first switch and the light is located at the end of the circuit. The diagrams below show the conventional wiring for 3 way switches. Below is a simple 3 way schematic that can be applied to all three way electrical light switch connections. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. A 3 way light switch allows you to control a light source from two separate points.
Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. Two very old three way switches are depicted in the photo above. The black and red wires between sw1 and sw2 are connected to the traveler terminals. Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram. 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. This is only a wiring schematic and not the actual wiring method used for 3 way switch installations.
Although a 3 way is one of the hardest electrical circuits to figure out its also one of the most useful. 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. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. Unfortunately not all 3 way switches are wired the conventional way. Two very old three way switches. Three wire cable runs between the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light.
Wiring a 3 way light switch. 3 way switch schematic wiring diagram. 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. Wiring diagram 3 way switch with light at the end. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. 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.
This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. The methods shown here are some of the safest and most versatile though not the only options. Knowing how to wire a three way lighting switch comes down to understanding the operation of this contraption. 3 way switch wiring diagram line to light fixtureline voltage enters the light fixture outlet box. See alternate 3 way switch wiring configuration for another way 3 way switches may be wired. A three way switch is fundamentally different in its operation from a regular two way switch.
Gallery of Wiring Diagram For A Three Way Light Switch
