Frequently asked questions more about wiring 3way switches. Wiring diagrams for 3 way switches the key to wiring 3 way switches the power feed and the switch leg leading to the fixture s typically one at each switch location are attached to the screw terminal found at one end of the switch by itself three way switch diagrams fully explained.
3 Way Switch Variations
3 way switch wiring options. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. The system also requires three way switches. Below is perhaps the simplest arrangement panel to switch to switch to light. 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. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. How to connect wires for 3 way light switches both of the switches should be 3 way switches with the appropriate wiring installed between them such as a 3 wire cable.
Add an electrical box for the second 3 way switch in the basement. The instructions below are based on the most commonly used method. Here are several variations of using 3 way switches to control lights from two locations. Three way switches require a three wire cable. Colors are shown consistent with the nec. 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. The black and red wires between sw1 and sw2 are connected to the traveler terminals. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. Either way complete these five steps for 3 way light switch wiring. Turn off the correct circuit at your electrical panel.
The cable should also have a ground wire or a total of four wires in the cable. 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. Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram. 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. 3 way circuits can vary depending on the method used at the time the home was wired. Its likely youll also need to replace the.
The power wire the neutral wire and the traveller or switch wire. Its likely youll also need to replace the. 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. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. Before reading this page you may want to visit 3 way switches and 4 way switches. Installing c by ge smart switches on a 3 way or multi way circuit requires all switches on the same circuit to be a c by ge smart switch.
Fix three way light switch wiring.
Gallery of 3 Way Switch Wiring Options
