Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box.
3 Way Switches Electrical 101
How do you wire a three way electrical switch. First run a 2 wire cable from the wall power to the black screw on 1 of the switches. Traveler wires are interchangeable. We look at the us color coding wires. Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram. 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.
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. How to wire 3 way light switch in this video we explain how three way switching works to connect a light fitting which is controlled with two light switches. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. Its likely youll also need to replace the existing switch box with a larger one to accommodate the extra wires for the 3 way switch.
Either way complete these five steps for 3 way light switch wiring. Turn off the correct circuit at your electrical panel. Add an electrical box for the second 3 way switch in the basement. 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. 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. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch.