How To Determine The Common Wire On A 3 Way Switch

The three way switch is a variation of the standard single pole switch which controls a light only from one locationa third type is the four way switch which is used in conjunction with two three way switches to control lighting from more than two locationsthis configuration may be used in open plan homes or in large kitchens or great rooms where a central bank of lighting fixtures might. 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.

Which One Is The Common Wire On This 3 Way Switch Home

How to determine the common wire on a 3 way switch. Wall switches used to control ceiling light fixtures or other fixtures come in three types. Replace any regular switches with the 3 way switches. Most switches have the common marked. Traveler wire terminals these are located on each side of the switch towards the top of the switch. For example a long hallway or stairway might use a pair of three way. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.

Before you start installing take a look at your new 3 way switch to identify all of the terminals that you will be connecting wires to. 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. Wiring a 3 way light switch. If there is a bare ground wire attach that to the ground lug of the switch. 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. Make sure power is off.

A 3 way switch will not have the words on or off written on it. 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. Iâ ve decided to put this faq together to help those with questions about installing ge 3 way switches. Generally but not always the common wire wire that connects the two switches in a three way set up is redi would try the red wire as the wire to the dark screw on the switchthis should also be the case on the other switch in this pair so you also might take a look at itthe wire coming from the switch beside it is not the common wire. The hot wire from the breaker usually black neutral. Turn main power off if possible for safety.

Attach the other two wires the travelers to the other two terminals of the switch.