Attach the other two wires the travelers to the other two terminals of the switch. When wiring a 3 way switch circuit we will be using a 3 wire cable known as romex coming from the source such as the breaker box.
How To Identify The Common Wire In A Three Way Switch Control
On a 3 way switch which wire is the common. The return wire for circuits u. Traveler wire terminals these are located on each side of the switch towards the top of the switch. Replace any regular switches with the 3 way switches. Traveler wires are interchangeable. The hot wire from the breaker usually black neutral. Wall switches used to control ceiling light fixtures or other fixtures come in three types.
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. Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. Then a 4 wire cable going between the two 3 way switches and then a 3 wire cable going from the switches to the load. Wiring a 3 way light switch. 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. 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.
In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. Connect the wire marked common to the black or dark colored screw. 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. 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. Make sure power is off.
Turn main power off if possible for safety. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. When wiring a 3 way switch first screw the terminal screws of the new switch until they are difficult to turn. 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. A 3 way switch will not have the words on or off written on it.
Each 3 way switch in these examples are controlling the power source to the same load. If there is a bare ground wire attach that to the ground lug of the switch. Most switches have the common marked. For example a long hallway or stairway might use a pair of three way. Connect the ground wire to the green screw. 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. Iâ ve decided to put this faq together to help those with questions about installing ge 3 way switches.
Gallery of On A 3 Way Switch Which Wire Is The Common
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