A dead end 3 way switch wiring method. This is only a wiring schematic and not the actual wiring method used for 3 way switch installations.
California 3 Way Switch Wiring Multisim Live
California 3 way wiring diagram. Skip navigation sign in. Conventional and california diagram. This wiring system may still be encountered in older grandfathered electrical installations. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. 3 way switch wiring diagram. This method is commonly used by professional electricians.
Two very old three way switches are depicted in the photo above. Below is a simple 3 way schematic that can be applied to all three way electrical light switch connections. How to wire 3 way switch. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. Find the correct wiring for a 3 way switch in 2 minutes. This alternate type of wiring is no longer allowed by the nec as of 2011 if a neutral wire is not present inside each switch box.
Extending the switch leg over to the common as shown in the photo above or extending the hot over to the common as described below. Electrical outlet boxes can have numerous nm cables going in and out. Conventional and california diagram. 3 way switch schematic wiring diagram. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. The alternate 3 way switch wiring configuration california or west coast was used as a way to wire 3 way switches and be able to supply line voltage to either switchthis configuration is no longer allowed as the neutral is not present in each switch box.
This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. The carter system was a method of wiring 3 way switches in the era of early knob and tube wiringthis now obsolete wiring method has been prohibited by the usa national electrical code since 1923 even in new knob and tube installations which are still permitted under certain circumstances. Typical nm ground wire connections diagram is shown below. Two very old three way switches. Conventional and california diagram. Find the correct wiring for a 3 way switch in 2 minutes.
Conventional 3 way wiring is not very complexwith conventional wiring the line line voltage connects to the common of one switch. There are 2 variations of dead end 3ways. Diagrams shown on this page are simplified for clarity. See actual switch box wiring.
Gallery of California 3 Way Wiring Diagram
