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. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.

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