Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch.
Wiring A 3 Way Switch
Common wire 3 way light switch. 3 install the first 3 way switch in the box with the hot wire attaching the hot wire to the common terminal of the switch. Traveler wires are interchangeable. In a hallway or large room for example installing three way switches at both ends lets you turn the light fixture on or off from both locations. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. Two 3 way switches are required in any 3 way application. 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.
Most switches have the common marked. It may be a different colored screw usually black while the others are brass colored or there may be a stamping on the side or back of th. The traveler wires always connect to the other two screws. Wall switches used to control ceiling light fixtures or other fixtures come in three types. For example a long hallway or stairway might use a pair of three way. The common screw connects to the load or hot wire depending where the switch is.
There is only one such terminal on a 3 way switch and it is usually identified as the one having a different color terminal screw often significantly darker from the other two. A three way wall switch is a common type of light switch that makes it possible to control a ceiling light or other electrical fixture from two different locations in a room. Make sure power is off. 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. A 3 way wall switch controls a common light or set of lights from two separate switch locations. 3 way switch installation 3 way light switches.
Wiring 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. If there is a bare ground wire attach that to the ground lug of the switch. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. This guide highlights the procedures for replacing a broken 3 way electrical switch. Before replacing any 3 way switches that are broken turn off the power at the breaker box.
Turn main power off if possible for safety. Attach the other two wires the travelers to the other two terminals of the switch. The 2 wire cable feed from the power source enters the bottom of the switch box and the hot black wire connects to the common or shunt terminal on the 3 way switch.
Gallery of Common Wire 3 Way Light Switch
