This 3 way switch wiring diagram shows how to wire the switches and the light when the power is coming to the light switch. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch.
How To Wire A 3 Way Light Switch Family Handyman
Wiring 3 way switch. In this diagram the incoming hot wire attaches to the first switchs common dark colored terminal. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. Three wire cable runs between the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. The black screw is the common which we identified in the steps above as the switch leg or hot power source. Then a 4 wire cable going between the two 3 way switches and then a 3 wire cable going from the switches to the load.
Connect the ground wire to the green screw. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. When wiring a 3 way switch first screw the terminal screws of the new switch until they are difficult to turn. Install a three way switch three way switch three way cable with another for ground wire four total terminal screws no12 wire linemans pliers or hacksaw sharp knife or slitting tool wire strippers hand brace drill with long auger electricians bit coil of electricians fish wire grounding screws. Connect the two remaining traveler wires to the two brass or light colored.
The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. The black and red wires between sw1 and sw2 are connected to the traveler terminals. All three way switch and 2 way switch wiring diagrams have the same basic components. When wiring a 3 way switch circuit we will be using a 3 wire cable known as romex coming from the source such as the breaker box. First bend hook in the ground wire wrap around the green screw. Take your three way 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. Connect the wire marked common to the black or dark colored screw. 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. You will see a black screw and two gold screws on the switch. 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 diagram. Run new cable romex between the 3 way switches 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. Wiring diagram 3 way switch with light at the end in this diagram the electrical source is at the first switch and the light is located at the end of the circuit. The two hot wires of three wire cable connect to a pair of brass colored traveler terminals on each switch.
Gallery of Wiring 3 Way Switch
