Three Way Light Switch Circuit

Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch.

Three way light switch circuit.

The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. Although a 3 way is one of the hardest electrical circuits to figure out it s also one of the most useful. Three way switches can be wired in a number of different ways depending on where they are located relative to the light fixture in the circuit cable runs. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.

The whole wiring a light switch project can be completed in a few hours if you don t have to do any drywall removal and repair. Keep reading and learn how to wire a light switch. In a hallway or large room for example installing three way switches at both ends lets you turn the light fixture on or off from both locations. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together.

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. 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. This is known as the common screw and it s usually black instead of brass or silver. Three wire cable runs between each switch and the light fixture.

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. Between each three way switch is a pair of travelers that are connected to the common terminals. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram.

There are several ways to install a 3 way light switch. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. 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. A three way wall switch is a common type of light switch that makes it possible to control a ceiling light or other electrical fixture from two different locations in a room.

With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. Another dead giveaway of a three way switch is the absence of on and off markings. On one of the 3 way switches a line or hot wire gets connected to the copper or black screw terminal. For example they can be arranged so that the feed cable runs to the first three way switch then to the light fixture box then to the second three way switch.

The methods shown here are some of the safest and most versatile though not the only options.