Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch.
3 Way Switch Wiring Diagram House Electrical Wiring Diagram
Wiring a three way switch. 3 wire cable runs to the switches on each side of the light. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. Go to my switch terminology page where i discuss the terms used for the different types of home electrical switches. 3 way switch wiring diagram. 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. Three way switch wiring source in middle.
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. It should also help in understanding the functions of each type of switch. 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. At the light the hot source wire is spliced to the black wire running to the common terminal on sw2. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together.
Wiring a 3 way switch is a little more tricky than wiring a 2 way switch. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. First of all we need to go over a little basic terminology on switches. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. Wiring a 3 way light switch.
This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Traveler wires are interchangeable. In this arrangement the source for the circuit is at the light fixture which is located in the middle of the circuit.
Gallery of Wiring A Three Way Switch
