Three Way Light Switch Circuit

Although a 3 way is one of the hardest electrical circuits to figure out it s also one of the most useful.

Three way light switch circuit.

For example they can be arranged so that the feed cable runs to the first three way switch then to the light fixture box then to the second three way switch. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. The methods shown here are some of the safest and most versatile though not the only options. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch.

Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. Regardless of what 3 way switch wiring diagram you re following you ll need to use a 3 wire cable to connect the two 3 way light switches. Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram. On one of the 3 way switches a line or hot wire gets connected to the copper or black screw terminal.

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. Keep reading and learn how to wire a light switch. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together.

Three way switches can be wired in a number of different ways depending on where they are located relative to the light fixture in the circuit cable runs. 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. Three wire cable runs between each switch and the light fixture. This is known as the common screw and it s usually black instead of brass or silver.

Between each three way switch is a pair of travelers that are connected to the common terminals. The hot source wire is connected to the common terminal on sw1. The whole wiring a light switch project can be completed in a few hours if you don t have to do any drywall removal and repair. A 3 way light switch allows you to control a light source from two separate points.

There are several ways to install a 3 way light switch. So what you should see if you have correct 3 wire electrical cable romex is a black power white neutral and now a 3rd red wire. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. Another dead giveaway of a three way switch is the absence of on and off markings.

Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram.