Old House 3 Way Switch Wiring - Wiring Diagram Info

Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be.

Wiring A 3 Way Switch

Old house 3 way switch wiring. The other 2 wires just transfer power back and forth so that each switch can turn the light on and off at the opposite intervals. Shapiro covers a lot more than carter 3 ways. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. 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. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. Start by turning off the power to the circuit youll be working on at the main electrical panel.

In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. Test the switches with a voltage tester to ensure the power is off. Isbn 0 07 057879 6 if you still dont own this tome and youre working the residential repairs beat then go to the back of the class. This old house host kevin oconnor gets pro tips for findingand replacinga faulty three way light switch. Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable.

Traveler wires are interchangeable. Turn off the electricity to the three way light circuit at the main electrical panel. 2 go to david e. The other 2 make no difference. Remove the cover plates from both three way switches then unscrew the switches from the electrical boxes. In this video ask this old house host kevin oconnor helps a homeowner fix a faulty three way switch.

3 way switches are normally wired with power on one switch to that odd screw and the other 3 way gets the light connected to the odd screw. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. How to replace your old outdated 3 way light switches. This is an alternative three way switch layout you might also encounter in your house. Wrongun et has beaten the carter 3 way to death. Shapiros old electrical wiring page 57 for the wiring diagram.

3 way switch wiring diagram. Wiring a 3 way light switch. Clear the way by pulling out the old switch. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.

Gallery of Old House 3 Way Switch Wiring