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. Two very old three way switches are depicted in the photo above.
Diagram Based Guitar Three Way Switch Wiring Diagram
Simple 3 way switch wiring. If you have any problems with these switches it may be best to call an electrician. While wiring a 3 way switch is more involved than something simple like installing an electrical box for an electric fireplace the task can be simple enough if you follow along with these instructions. Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. The following 3 diagrams show the wiring for a specially made dimmer that can be used in these circuits in place of either of the the 3 way switches or both. Below is a simple 3 way schematic that can be applied to all three way electrical light switch connections. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch.
How to wire a 3 way light switch. This way even if your battery switch is off if your boat starts filling with water the pump will still kick on. 3 way switch 2 3 way wire which has black white and red coated wires and of course a copper ground wire. Once youre done youll be able to control a light from two switches. The diagrams below show the conventional wiring for 3 way switches. Well show you how to wire three way switches.
Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. 3 way switch wiring diagram. Id rather have a dead battery than a swamped boat. 255 time to complete. In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. Equipment coming off a switchboard or circuit panel should be straightforward to trace.
See alternate 3 way switch wiring configuration for another way 3 way switches may be wired. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. This is only a wiring schematic and not the actual wiring method used for 3 way switch installations. Traveler wires are interchangeable. Two very old three way switches. The wiring is more complicated than a traditional single pole switch but well explain how to make the connections.
This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Simple boat wiring diagram single battery. 3 way dimmer switch wiring diagrams. Im also showing the negative return wiring for the bilge pump in this step. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. Wiring a 3 way light switch.
Unfortunately not all 3 way switches are wired the conventional way. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. Notice the fuse shown this needs to be circuit protected with an inline fuse like this one. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. 3 way switch schematic wiring diagram. When you make your own wiring diagram use very large sheets of paper for clarity.
I am running the boat battery wiring from the switch to my two batteries. This arrangement allows for lowering the lights in a 3 way circuit.
Gallery of Simple 3 Way Switch Wiring
