How to Wire Three Way Switches Part 1
3Way Switch Wiring Diagrams
3Way Switch Diagrams #1, #2 and #3
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Summary:
The key to three way switch wiring depends on two main factors. These first three wiring diagrams in this series will help you identify the power feed and the switch wiring leading to the light fixture.
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3 Way Switch Wiring Diagrams
The Key to three way switch wiring:
The Power Feed and the Switch Leg leading to the fixture(s)
typically, one at each switch location, are attached to the screw
terminal found at one end of the switch by itself. This terminal
is usually identified by a darker colored screw.
The pair of screw
terminals at the opposite end of the switch are for the pair of
wires known as "travelers", (also known as "jockeys").
The "travelers" actually pass the electricity between
the two 3-way switches, as well as the 4-way switches, shown in
the 4-way switching wiring diagrams.
To illustrate the wiring of these 3-way switches, Switch Boxes and Fixture Boxes are not shown but are obviously required for every application.
These diagrams are shown as using the Type-NM wiring method.
Electrical Wiring and the Ground Conductor
The ground conductor is required for all applications as well. The ground conductors are always bonded together to insure the integrity of the ground path.
If you are using metal boxes, the ground conductor must be attached to each box by using a threaded ground screw or provided attachment.
The frames of the switches which have a ground screw are to be attached to the ground conductor as required. |
3-Way Light Switch Wiring
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3-Way Switching provides switching from two locations
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3-Way Switch Wiring Diagram #1 above, shows that the electric circuit source power is located at the left side 3-way switch box. The cable wires lead to a second 3-way switch box on the right side.
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3-Way Switch Wiring Diagram #2 above, shows the electric circuit power source comes into the light fixture box.
The white wire of the cable wiring is marked with black electrical tape, and is going to the switch. The other end of this wire is connected to the black wire of the light fixture in the light fixture box. The white wire marked with black tape becomes the energized switch leg.
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3-Way Switch Wiring Diagram #3 above, shows the electric circuit source power located at the right 3-way switch box, and this switch box also has the cable that goes to the light fixture.
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More about Wiring 3Way Switches
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Frequently Asked Questions
More about Wiring 3way Switches
- How to Connect Wires for 3-Way Light Switches – Both of the switches should be 3-way switches with the appropriate wiring installed between them, such as a 3-wire cable.
- Wiring Diagrams For Three Way Switches
- Wiring Three Way Switches – When adding additional lighting to an existing three way switch configuration, the only place the additional lights may be wired to are at the existing light fixture or to the switch box where the existing light fixture is wired to.
- How to wire three way switches with wiring connections and wiring diagrams.
- How to Wire Three Way Switches: Common Problems When Wiring 3Way Switches, Wiring Connections for 3Way Switches.
Wiring Three Way Light Switches the Right Way
How To Wire Three Way Your Switches
Wiring a Kitchen Ceiling Light Fixture
I bought a new ceiling light fixture for the kitchen and I need help wiring with the wiring: Wire a Light Fixture and Wall Switch.
Wiring 3 Way Switches and Dimmer Switches
How are 3-way switches wired? The Key to Wiring 3 Way Switch and 3 Way Dimmer Switch Wiring, Wiring Configurations for 3 way Switch Wiring.
Why is it Called 3-Way Switch
Why is a 3-way switch so named when it only operates from two locations?
Website with Great Home Wiring Diagrams
I used your wiring diagrams to correct a 3 way switch problem: Wiring diagrams are an important tool for completing your electrical projects, so I have provided several to assist you.
See more at the Electrical Questions Category Listing.
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Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book
Great for any Home Wiring Project.
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Learn more about How to Wire Outlets
Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring
Perfect for the Homeowner, Handyman, Electrician and Building Inspector.
Includes:
Methods for Home Electrical Wiring
Types of Light Switches and Lighting Controls How They are Wired
Wiring Diagrams for Light Switches
Wiring 3-Way Switches
Wiring 4-Way Switches
Wiring Dimmer Switches
How to Make Your Own Light Fixtures
....and much more.
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Click here to learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
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Electrical Tip
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wiring!
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, [amazon.com], I use for the detection of Standard 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. |
