Wall switches used to control ceiling light fixtures or other fixtures come in three types. 3 way switch wiring diagram line to light fixtureline voltage enters the light fixture outlet box.
3 Pole Light Dimmer Switch Wiring Diagram H1 Wiring Diagram
Wiring for a three way light switch. 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. How to install a 3 way light switch overview while wiring a 3 way switch is more involved than something simple like installing an electrical box for an electric fireplace the task can be simple enough if you follow along with these instructions. The black and red wires between sw1 and sw2 are connected to the traveler terminals. Wiring a 3 way light switch. Wiring diagram 3 way switch with light at the end. In this diagram the electrical source is at the first switch and the light is located at the end of the circuit.
Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. There are several ways to install a 3 way light switch. 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. Heres how to wire a three way switch with easy tips from the family handyman. 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.
Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. 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. Three wire cable runs between the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light. Add up the wattage of the bulbs in all the fixtures the switch controls to make sure it falls within the switch rating listed on the package or instructions. Although a 3 way is one of the hardest electrical circuits to figure out its also one of the most useful.
With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. 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. Buy a single pole switch if one switch controls the lights or a three way if you have two switches controlling the same lights. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. The methods shown here are some of the safest and most versatile though not the only options. For example a long hallway or stairway might use a pair of three way.
Gallery of Wiring For A Three Way Light Switch
