With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. Traveler wires are interchangeable.
Wiring A 3 Way Switch
Diagram of three way switch. An example of three way switch wiring with the line and load in the same 4 square electrical box. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. 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. In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. The basic 3 way switch wiring diagram this is the most common and the easiest wiring diagram to follow of any of the wiring diagrams for a 3 way switch circuit. 3 way switch wiring diagram with line and load in the same switch box.
Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. 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. 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. Wiring a 3 way light switch. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch.
In the above diagram the white wire must be re identified as a hot wire at each switch location. The white wire between switches is not being used as a neutral. In this diagram the electrical source is at the first switch and the light is located at the end of the circuit. Wall switches used to control ceiling light fixtures or other fixtures come in three types. Three wire cable runs between the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light. These instructions will be easy to grasp and use.
If you intend to add multiple lights with a 3 way switch use the 3 way switch for multiple lights diagram. It really is intended to aid all of the typical consumer in creating a suitable program. 3 way switch wiring diagram. 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. Wiring diagram 3 way switch with light at the end. For example a long hallway or stairway might use a pair of three way.
A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. This wire diagram shows the wiring for source power into the first three way switch then 3 wire cable to the next 3 way light switch and then on to the light or light fixtures. Before you grab your toolbox and set out to wire a three way switch wire a ceiling fan or any other electrical work be sure to take proper safety precautions. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. The black and red wires between sw1 and sw2 are connected to the traveler terminals. Important note about your safety.
Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. Wiring diagram arrives with several easy to adhere to wiring diagram instructions. 3 way switch wiring diagram variations wiring diagram leviton 3 way switch wiring diagram.
Gallery of Diagram Of Three Way Switch
