This guide highlights the procedures for replacing a broken 3 way electrical switch. A 3 way wall switch controls a common light or set of lights from two separate switch locations.
Hr 4348 Wiring 3 Way Switch With Multiple Lights Diagrams
How to wire a 3 way switch with 4 lights. Here 3 wire cable runs between l1 and l2 2 wire cable runs from the last light to sw1 and more 3 wire cable runs from sw1 to the 4 way switch and then to sw2. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. To wire a 4 way switch start by turning off the circuit breaker for the room youre working in. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. Important note about your safety. At the lights the hot source is spliced to the black wire running between lights it does not connect to the lights.
With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. To avoid confusion and to conform to code use a black marker to mark any hot white wire feeding a switch. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Two 3 way switches are required in any 3 way application. 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. 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.
If you know how to wire a 3 way switch you will have no problems with a 4 way switch. Next connect the white wire coming into the box to the white wire on the fixture. 3 way switch diagrams for multiple light fixtures. It is true that there are several wiring configurations for wiring 3 way light switches and all of the wiring configurations will depend on where the incoming circuit power is located and once that is identified the rest of the three way wiring connections are straight forward. A 3 way switch is utilized on each individual end with one or more 4 way switches between both 3 way switches. Wiring a 3 way light switch.
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. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. First run a 2 wire cable from the wall power to the black screw on 1 of the switches. Then connect the black wire coming from the fixture to the black wire going to the first 3 way switch. Before replacing any 3 way switches that are broken turn off the power at the breaker box. Such color coding is shown in the following example.
If you intend to add multiple lights with a 3 way switch use the 3 way switch for multiple lights diagram. Here are another couple of variations of 3 and 4 way switch circuits. All the 4 way switches are optional.
Gallery of How To Wire A 3 Way Switch With 4 Lights
