Regardless of what 3 way switch wiring diagram youre following youll need to use a 3 wire cable to connect the two 3 way light switches. Three way switches have 3 terminals to carry circuit electricity and one terminal for a ground wire.
Travelers How To Wire A Light Switch
3 way lighting circuit. The common terminal may be labeled and is usually a different color than the traveler terminals. 3 way switch diagram. Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable in the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. There are several ways to install a 3 way light switch. The following links will assist you with wiring your 3 way switches.
I just need to get the fixture working again. There are also four way five way and a gazillion way circuits. The methods shown here are some of the safest and most versatile though not the only options. A 3 way light switch allows you to control a light source from two separate points. 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. 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.
Although a 3 way is one of the hardest electrical circuits to figure out its also one of the most useful. Three way light switch with the power feed via the switch single light. A 3 way circuit is a lighting circuit that allows one light fixture to be controlled by two wall switches in different locations. The whole wiring a light switch project can be completed in a few hours if you dont have to do any drywall removal and repair. Thanks for your electrical question ken. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch.
Here is our selection of three way light switch circuit diagrams. Keep reading and learn how to wire a light switch. Of the three circuit terminals one is called the common and the other two are known as travelers. Ken a homeowner from toronto ontario. The electrical symbol indicates where power enters the circuit. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.
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. A properly functioning 3 way switch would be an added bonus. This is where two switches control the same light or lights. This electrical question came from. Stairwells hallways and large rooms with multiple access are all candidates for 3 way circuits.