Three wire cable runs between each switch and the light fixture. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch.
Wiring A 3 Way Switch
3 way light switch circuit. The diagrams below show the conventional wiring for 3 way switches. With a pair of 3 way switches either switch can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. 3 way switch diagram. There are also four way five way and a gazillion way circuits.
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 configuration may be used in open plan homes or in large kitchens or great rooms where a central bank of lighting fixtures might be controlled from more than two entry points. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. A properly functioning 3 way switch would be an added bonus. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.
Ken a homeowner from toronto ontario. Use the 3 way switch wiring diagram to learn light switch wiring. These switches do not have an onoff position like single pole switches. A three way light switch is different than a traditional single pole light switch as it contains an extra screw to connect an extra wire. 3 way switches are used to control lights with two switches. Three way switch wiring with light middle the source in this circuit is at the first switch and the light fixture is located between sw1 and sw2.
It is important to understand how these are wired before attempting to troubleshoot or replace. A 3 way circuit is a lighting circuit that allows one light fixture to be controlled by two wall switches in different locations. Thanks for your electrical question ken. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. The three way switch is a variation of the standard single pole switch which controls a light only from one location. Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram.
The following links will assist you with wiring your 3 way switches. 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. This electrical question came from. Keep reading and learn how to wire a light switch. Stairwells hallways and large rooms with multiple access are all candidates for 3 way circuits. 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.
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. The hot source wire is connected to the common terminal on sw1. Another dead giveaway of a three way switch is the absence of on and off markings. This is known as the common screw and its usually black instead of brass or silver. I just need to get the fixture working again.
Gallery of 3 Way Light Switch Circuit
