Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. Keep reading and learn how to wire a light switch.
3 Way Switch Wiring Diagrams Do It Yourself Help Com
3 way switch circuit. On one of the 3 way switches a line or hot wire gets connected to the copper or black screw terminal. 3 way switches have three terminals one common usually black color and one pair of travelers usually brass color. 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. All of the switches shown below are 3 way. A third type is the four way switch which is used in conjunction with two three way switches to control lighting from more than two locations. 3 way switch circuits variations here are several variations of using 3 way switches to control lights from two locations.
Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. 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. The three way switch is a variation of the standard single pole switch which controls a light only from one location. Between each three way switch is a pair of travelers that are connected to the common terminals. 3 way switch wiring diagrams wiring diagram 3 way switch with light at the end.
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. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. 3 way switch wiring diagram. The source in this circuit is at the first switch and the light fixture is. Before reading this page you may want to visit 3 way switches and 4 way switches. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.
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. 3 way switch wiring with. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. In this diagram the electrical source is at the first switch and the. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. Three way switch wiring with light middle.
Colors are shown consistent with the nec. With conventional wiring the common wire from one switch connects to line the common wire from the other switch connects to the load lights.
Gallery of 3 Way Switch Circuit
