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. Traveler wires are interchangeable.
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Residential 3 way switch wiring. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. 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. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. Wiring a 3 way light switch. In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box.
With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. If one half of a duplex outlet is controlled by a wall switch then the hot tab and possibly the neutral tab will be broken off. The ground wire goes through both switch boxes and the ceiling light box and it is connected at all junctions except the light with a pigtail short piece of wire and wire connector. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. Or if the top. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be.
The hot source wire is spliced at the light box to the white cable wire running to the first switch box. Regardless of what 3 way switch wiring diagram youre following youll need to use a 3 wire cable to connect the two 3 way light switches. In this diagram two 3 way switches control a wall receptacle outlet that may be used to control a lamp from two entrances to a room. For example a long hallway or stairway might use a pair of three way. So what you should see if you have correct 3 wire electrical cable romex is a black power white neutral and now a 3rd red wire. 3 way switched outlet wiring.
Wall switches used to control ceiling light fixtures or other fixtures come in three types. Match the breakaway tab to the original outlet. In this diagram the source for the circuit is at the light fixture and the two switches come after. Two three way switches control one light with the electric power coming through the first switch flowing to the second switch and then to the light fixture. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together.
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. Plus find out how to wire a three way switch. This circuit is wired the same way as the 3 way lights at this link. Two wire cable runs from the light to sw1 and 3 wire cable runs between sw1 and sw2. There are a few different reasons that an outlet breakaway tab may be removed. Each 3 way switch in these examples are controlling the power source to the same load.
3 way switch wiring diagram. 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. 3 way switch wiring with light first. Three wire cable runs between the switches and the outlet.
Gallery of Residential 3 Way Switch Wiring
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