The other terminal is for a second hot wire called a switch leg that runs only between the switch and the light fixture. Connect the black wire from the power supply to all three of the black pigtails.
How To Wire A 3 Way Light Switch Family Handyman
How to wire a three pole switch. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. In addition the three way switch has a black terminal. Standard single pole switches do not connect to neutral circuit wire. Twist all four black wires together with a yellow wire nut. For example a long hallway or stairway might use a pair of three way. 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. A three way switch has the same two brass terminals you find on a single pole switch although they are usually opposite each other instead of arranged vertically on the switch body. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. The switch leg brings power to the fixture when the switch is turned on. 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. Connect the ground wire to the green screw.
Tape the wire nut to the wires with electrical tape. 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. We look at the us color coding wires. How to wire an led toggle switch on off 3 prong rocker switch 2020 duration. Connect the wire marked common to the black or dark colored screw. Wall switches used to control ceiling light fixtures or other fixtures come in three types.
The power supply wire is the wire that connects directly to the breaker panel. Wiring a 3 way light switch. Its there so the electrician can connect the switch to another three way switch via a third wire. You dont need the other terminal on the three way switch so its fine to cover it over with electrical tape to ensure the terminals dont get mixed up. Wrap the tape around the wire nut and onto the wires. To use a three way switch as a single pole one connect the hot wires to the common terminal and the traveler on the same side of the switch body.
The ground screw is for the circuit ground wire connection. 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. Connect the two remaining traveler wires to the two brass or light colored screws. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. When wiring a 3 way switch first screw the terminal screws of the new switch until they are difficult to turn.