3 Way Switch Wiring Variations

How to Wire Three Way Switches and 3-Way Dimmer Switches

3 Way Dimmer Switch Wiring Variations
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I am wiring a circuit using 3 way dimmer switches.
The power goes to the first switch, then to a number of cans in the ceiling, then to the second switch.
I pulled 12/3 as I would with a single fixture, but am confused as to how I wire the multiple fixtures, since there is not a solid traveler from the powered switch to the remote switch.
Help!

Background: Mark, a Homeowner from West Caldwell, NJ
Additional Comments: Thanks!

Dave The Electrician’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Mark.

How to Wire Three Way Switches and Dimmer Switches

Mark, you just explained the problem – the way that you have wired does not provide the necessary travelers between the 3 way switches.
Sure, you can run the travelers through the light fixtures, but this is not the ideal way.

Vital Components of Three Way Switch Wiring

• The Source of power or Power In.
• Power Out to the light fixture.
• A connecting cable between the first three way switch and the second three way switch.
• The number of wires in the connecting cable will depend on where the Power out wire is located, which may be at either three way switch, or up in the light fixture junction box.
  • NOTE: Three way switches do not need a “neutral”, however the “White Wire” of the cable is typically used for switching power and should be identified with black electrical tape.

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS
How to Wire 3-Way Dimmer Switches

3 Way Switch Wiring Explained
3 Way Switch Wiring Diagrams

3 Way Switch Diagram
In response to the requests for this information, I have developed a comprehensive,step-by-step guide designed to walk you through the identification and wiring of your 3-way switches.

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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

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