Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be.
How To Wire A 3 Way Switch 3 Way Switch Diagram
3 way switch diagram power at switch. Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. Wiring diagrams for 3 way switches. Wires consisting of a line a load a neutral a pair of travelers and two 3 way switches. Traveler wires are interchangeable on each switch. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. The two hot wires of three wire cable connect to a pair of brass colored traveler terminals on each switch.
When nothing is hooked up there is power in the 2 wire plus ground cable on the upstairs switch. All three way switch and 2 way switch wiring diagrams have the same basic components. 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. 3 way switch diagram. If you are trying to troubleshoot a 3 way switch operation then you will need to identify the function of each wire. The following links will assist you with wiring your 3 way switches.
This 3 way switch wiring diagram shows how to wire the switches and the light when the power is coming to the light switch. In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. 3 way switch diagram 2 above shows the electricity source starting at the fixture. The ground wire is pigtailed with a wire connector at the switch boxes and the ceiling box. 3 way switch wiring diagram variation 3 wiring diagram for a 3 way switch one of the many wiring diagrams showing different methods of wiring a three way switch circuit. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together.
The white wire of the cable going to the switch is attached to the black line in the fixture box using a wire nut. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. In this light switch wiring diagram the power feed joins the circuit via the light fixture where a two wire cable c2 runs from the light to the first 3 way switch sw1 and a 3 wire cable c3 joins the two switches. There is only the single 3 wire plus ground in the downstairs switch box and only two 2 wire plus ground cables at the fixture. Fixture between two three way switches. The white wire becomes the energized switch leg as indicated by using black or red electrical tape.
Diagram 3 above shows the electricity source starting at the right 3 way switch box the same that has the romex wire going to the fixture. In this diagram the incoming hot wire attaches to the first switchs common dark colored terminal. The black and red wires between sw1 and sw2 are connected to the traveler terminals. This electrical wiring diagram shows power into light switch box 1 wire to light from switch box 1 and from switch box 1 to three way light switch box 2. 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. Three wire cable runs between the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light.
Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. 3 way switch wiring diagram.
Gallery of 3 Way Switch Diagram Power At Switch
