With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.
Standard Single Pole Light Switch Wiring Hometips
Wiring up a 3 way light switch. The ground wire is pigtailed with a wire connector at the switch boxes and the ceiling box. Phil crockett 120333 views. 3 way switch wiring diagram line to light fixtureline voltage enters the light fixture outlet box. 14 has a white sheath and is good for up to 15 amps this is what you find with 14 3 or 12 3 in either case. Connect the ground wire to the green screw. 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.
First run a 2 wire cable from the wall power to the black screw on 1 of the switches. 3 way switch installation 3 way light switches duration. 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. 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. When wiring a 3 way switch first screw the terminal screws of the new switch until they are difficult to turn. 3 way light switch wiring diagram see below.
Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram. 12 is a heavier gauge can handle up to 20 amps and usually has a yellow sheath. 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. Up next the best 3 way switch explanation ever. Wiring a double switch duration.
Up next how to fix a 3 way. Connect the two remaining traveler wires to the two brass or light colored screws. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. Fixture between two three way switches. Wiring a 3 way light switch. Connect the wire marked common to the black or dark colored screw.
The 14 or 12 is the wire size. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Today we give you the tools knowledge to remove and install a 3 way light switch without electrocuting yourself.