An example of three way switch wiring with the line and load in the same 4 square electrical box. Leave 810 inches 203254 cm of wire inside each of the boxes before cutting the cable to facilitate easy splicing and connection to the switch and fixture.
How To Wire A 3 Way Light Switch Family Handyman
Three way switch connection diagram. The white wire becomes the. For example a long hallway or stairway might use a pair of three way. In this diagram the electrical source is at the first switch and the light is located at the end of the circuit. The white wire of the cable going to the switch is attached to the black line in the fixture box using a wire nut. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. Wiring diagrams for 3 way switches.
With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. The white wire between switches is not being used as a neutral. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. If you intend to add multiple lights with a 3 way switch use the 3 way switch for multiple lights diagram. Wiring diagram 3 way switch with light at the end.
This third wire is necessary for 3 way switch installations. In the above diagram the white wire must be re identified as a hot wire at each switch location. Before you grab your toolbox and set out to wire a three way switch wire a ceiling fan or any other electrical work be sure to take proper safety precautions. Traveler wires are interchangeable. Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. The black and red wires between sw1 and sw2 are connected to the traveler terminals.
Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. Take a closer look at a 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. Important note about your safety. 3 way switch wiring diagram with line and load in the same switch box. 3 way switch wiring diagram.
Three wire cable runs between the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light. Wiring a 3 way light switch. Unfortunately not all 3 way switches are wired the conventional way. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. A 3 wire cable has an extra wire when compared to 2 wire cables and this wire is nearly always covered in red insulation. Diagram 1 above shows the electricity source starting at the left 3 way switch.
See alternate 3 way switch wiring configuration for another way 3 way switches may be wired. 3 way switch diagram 2 above shows the electricity source starting at the fixture. The diagrams below show the conventional wiring for 3 way switches. In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. Wall switches used to control ceiling light fixtures or other fixtures come in three types. If you have any problems with these switches it may be best to call an electrician.
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.
Gallery of Three Way Switch Connection Diagram
