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.
Three way switch diagram one light.
A 3 way light switch allows you to control a light source from two separate points.
3 way switch wiring diagram line to light fixtureline voltage enters the light fixture outlet box.
This 3 way light switch diagram shows connections when the power comes into the first switch on to the second switch and then on to two or more lights switched by the 3 way circuit.
Although a 3 way is one of the hardest electrical circuits to figure out it s also one of the most useful.
With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.
Two wire cable runs from the light to sw1 and 3 wire cable runs between sw1 and sw2.
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 methods shown here are some of the safest and most versatile though not the only options.
This is the 3 wire cable which you must have to wire a 3 way.
Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram.
There are several ways to install a 3 way light switch.
In the above 3 way switch wiring diagram at each switch the black wire gets connected to the copper or black screw.
3 way switch wiring diagram depicting all wires in the ceiling junction box.
Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch.
In this diagram the source for the circuit is at the light fixture and the two switches come after.
In the ceiling light fixture electrical box one black wire from a 3 way switch gets connected to the black load wire on the light fixture.
With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.
Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram.
3 way switch wiring with light first.
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.
Wiring a 3 way light switch.
This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be.