The common terminal of the second 3 way switch connects to the light fixtures. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.
3 Way Switch Wiring Electrical 101
3 light switch wiring. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. Because the electrical code as of the 2011 nec update requires a neutral wire in most new switch boxes a 3 wire cable runs between the light and switch. Traveler wires are interchangeable on each switch. Wiring a 3 way light switch wiring a 3 way light switch is certainly more complicated than that of the more common single pole switch but you can figure it out if you follow our 3 way switch wiring diagram. Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch.
Turn the power off at circuit breaker. Diagrams shown on this page are simplified for clarity. Connect the wiring at switch 2 by connecting the two black wires to the left terminals of the switch and the two red wires to the right side. Connect the white wires together. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Im moving a light switch to a different wall and have found that the cable from the switch to the light has 3 wires but i dont know why.
Wiring a 3 way switch with multiple lights in this circuit two light fixtures are shown but more can be added by duplicating the wiring arrangement between the fixtures for each additional light. The 2 wire source feeds to an adjacent switch for a differ. The white neutral wires are connected together in each switch box. How to wire 3 way light switch step by step step 1. Install the correct electrical boxes. Each switch will connect to the gang box by screws one at the top of each switch and one at the bottom.
Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. Connect all three switches to the gang box. Here the source is at the first switch sw1 and 3 wire cable runs from there to the first light l1. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. Step 3 connect the wiring at switch 3 by connecting the fixtures black wire to the common terminal and the traveler wires to the remaining terminals. Step 2 cover the three switches with a triple switch cover plate.
With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. The red and black are used for hot and the white neutral wire at the switch box allows for powering a timer remote control or other programmable switch. The first step in any electrical project is to make sure there is no. Before you can install your new three way switch youll need to put an.
Gallery of 3 Light Switch Wiring
