In the above diagram the white wire must be re identified as a hot wire at each switch location. Wiring a 3 way light switch.
Wiring Diagram For 3 Way Electrical Switch
Wiring a three way electrical switch. In this diagram the electrical source is at the first switch and the light is located at the end of the circuit. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. Wiring diagram 3 way switch with light at the end. The black and red wires between sw1 and sw2 are connected to the traveler terminals. A 3 way wall switch controls a common light or set of lights from two separate switch locations. 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 precautionsthis type of electrical work isnt overly complicated but any electrical work can be dangerous if you dont know what youre doing.
The white wire between switches is not being used as a neutral. In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. A three way switch is fundamentally different in its operation from a regular two way switch. Important note about your safety. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. 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.
The purpose of a three way electrical switch knowing how to wire a three way lighting switch comes down to understanding the operation of this contraption. Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. Two 3 way switches are required in any 3 way application. Three wire cable runs between the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light. Before proceeding make sure you are comfortable working with electrical wires and switches. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch.
The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way 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. An example of three way switch wiring with the line and load in the same 4 square electrical box. You must completely forget about the notion of a switch being a simple openclosed circuit and look. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram.
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. Traveler wires are interchangeable. 3 way switch wiring diagram with line and load in the same switch box. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. This guide highlights the procedures for replacing a broken 3 way electrical switch. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together.
Gallery of Wiring A Three Way Electrical Switch
