Wires consisting of a line a load a neutral a pair of travelers and two 3 way switches. If you are trying to troubleshoot a 3 way switch operation then you will need to identify the function of each wire.
3 Way Switch Wiring Electrical 101
3 way switch diagram. All of the switches shown below are 3 way. Power through switch light is controlled by two three way switches with the light between the switches and the power first going through a switch then to the light and onto the second three way switch. The basic 3 way switch wiring diagram this is the most common and the easiest wiring diagram to follow of any of the wiring diagrams for a 3 way switch circuit. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. Red and blue wires link traveler terminals of both switches. The white wire becomes the energized switch leg as indicated by using black or red electrical tape.
3 way switch wiring diagrams wiring diagram 3 way switch with light at the end. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. This wire diagram shows the wiring for source power into the first three way switch then 3 wire cable to the next 3 way light switch and then on to the light or light fixtures. What is the black screw for on a 3 way switch diagram. The white wire of the cable going to the switch is attached to the black line in the fixture box using a wire nut.
3 way switches have three terminals one common usually black color and one pair of travelers usually brass color. In this diagram power enters the fixture box. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. Fixture between two three way switches. The black screw on a 3 way switch diagram is for the continuous hot wire that comes from the circuit panel or for the feed wire that runs up to the light fixture. This 3 way light switch wiring diagram shows how to do the light switch wiring and the light when the power is coming to the light fixture.
Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. 3 way switch diagram 2 above shows the electricity source starting at the fixture. A 3 way switch wiring diagram is a simple drawing showing how to connect the wires to each of the four screws on the 3 way switch. The black hot wire connects to the far right switchs common terminal. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box.
All three way switch and 2 way switch wiring diagrams have the same basic components. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. 3 way switch wiring diagram. In this diagram the electrical source is at the first switch and the. The ground wire is pigtailed with a wire connector at the switch boxes and the ceiling box. 3 way switch wiring with.
Electricians call the continuous hot wire the line wire. With conventional wiring the common wire from one switch connects to line the common wire from the other switch connects to the load lights. The source in this circuit is at the first switch and the light fixture is. Three way switch wiring with light middle. Traveler wires are interchangeable on each switch. The diagram below is based on the video you watched above.
Gallery of 3 Way Switch Diagram
