Traveler wires are interchangeable. Wiring a 3 way light switch.
3 Way Switch Wiring Electrical 101
Wiring up a three way switch. 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. 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. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. A 3 way wall switch controls a common light or set of lights from two separate switch locations. 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. 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.
Although a 3 way is one of the hardest electrical circuits to figure out its also one of the most useful. 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. 3 way switch wiring diagram. Two 3 way switches are required in any 3 way application. Buy a single pole switch if one switch controls the lights or a three way if you have two switches controlling the same lights. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together.
This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. Before replacing any 3 way switches that are broken turn off the power at the breaker 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. A 3 way light switch allows you to control a light source from two separate points. In this video we learn how to wire a 3 way switch system.
The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. There are several ways to install a 3 way light switch. In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. This guide highlights the procedures for replacing a broken 3 way electrical switch. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.
Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. If you have suggestions please leave them as well. Please leave a comment and a like if this video helped you. The methods shown here are some of the safest and most versatile though not the only options.
Gallery of Wiring Up A Three Way Switch
