When wiring a 3 way switch first screw the terminal screws of the new switch until they are difficult to turn. When wiring a 3 way switch circuit we will be using a 3 wire cable known as romex coming from the source such as the breaker box.
![Wire Diagram For 3 Way Switch C3 Wiring Diagram](https://www.doityourself.com/forum/attachments/lighting-light-fixtures-ceiling-exhaust-fans/87520d1511388914-connecting-single-pole-switch-existing-3w-dimmer-wiring-wire-diagram.jpg)
Wire Diagram For 3 Way Switch C3 Wiring Diagram
Connecting a 3 way switch. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. Connect the wire marked common to the black or dark colored screw. Dont attach the traveler wires to the common screw since. Run a black wire from the new switch to the power source. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. Turn off the correct circuit at your electrical panel.
For this reason it doesnt have onoff markings because it can turn off the power when it is both up and down depending on the orientation of the other switch. Its likely youll also need to replace the. Then a 4 wire cable going between the two 3 way switches and then a 3 wire cable going from the switches to the load. Use the black wire in the top 2 wire conductor to attach the switch to the source. The screw is typically on the bottom of the switch. Flip off power in the room youre working.
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. Before you even start wiring you want to get the fixtures. Its likely youll also need to replace the. The darker terminal is known as the common connection of the switch. Flip the switch on and electricity flows. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram.
A three way switch is designed to work in tandem with another three way switch to allow you to control a fixture from two different locations. While standard single pole switches have two screw terminals on one side of the switch plus a third green grounding screw terminal connected to the metal strap three way switches have three screw terminals plus a ground screw. Screw your two boxes and light fixture into place then gather your supplies. Converting a single pole switch to a 3 way. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. 3 way switch wiring diagram.
Connect the two remaining traveler wires to the two brass or light colored screws. Connect the ground wire to the green screw. One of the screw terminals is a darker color than the other two terminals. Add an electrical box for the second 3 way switch in the basement. 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. Either way complete these five steps for 3 way light switch wiring.
Head to your fuse box and make sure there is no power coming to the room youre currently working in.