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