Traveler wires are interchangeable. 10 different methods including basic dead ends radicals 2 wire travelers and light fed.
Ge Sunsmart 15312 3 Way Installation Challenge Electrical
Wiring a 3 way switch with 12 2 wire. A 3 way switch will not have the words on or off written on it. To wire a 3 way light switch youll need 2 3 way light switches 2 2 wire non metallic cables 1 3 wire non metallic cable and 2 6 inch grounding wires. First run a 2 wire cable from the wall power to the black screw on 1 of the switches. Traveler wire terminals these are located on each side of the switch towards the top of the switch. Is this what you have. 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.
If you follow this how to you will be leaps and bounds a head of he rest of the competition. In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. 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. Make copies for classroom or individual use. Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. Wiring a 3 way light switch.
Learn how to wire a 3 way switch. Yes a 3 way switch can be wired using a marked white wire not a neutral provided your 3 way switch has the following. Each 3 way switch in these examples are controlling the power source to the same load. A common either 120v power or the wire to the light fixture. 3 way switch 2 3 way wire which has black white and red coated wires and of course a copper ground wire. How to wire a 3 way switch.
With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. 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. In this video i will show you how to wire a three way switch the easy way. Since power one hot and one neutral is at both ends the hot at one end is connected to the common while capping off the unused neutral and at the other end the neutral from the power feed is connected to the lights neutral while capping off the unused hot. These methods are used by construction electricians in houses and buildings throughout the us. 2 traveler wires connect to each 3 way.
Replace any regular switches with the 3 way switches. Level advanced description power at both ends switch leg at one with a 2 wire 142 or 122 used as travelers. 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. 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. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch.