Three Way Switch Wiring
How to Wire 3 Way Switches
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Summary:
The key to three way switch wiring depends on two main factors. These wiring diagrams help you identify the power feed and the switch leg leading
to the fixture.
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Easy to Understand 3 Way Switch 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.
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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 Switch Wiring |
3-Way Switching provides switching from two locations
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3-Way Switch Wiring Diagram #1 above, shows the electric circuit source power starting at the left 3-way switch. |
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3-Way Switch Wiring Diagram #2 above, shows the electric circuit source power starting starting at the fixture. The white wire of the romex going to the switch is attached to the black line in the fixture box using a wire nut. The white wire becomes the energized switch leg, as indicated by using black or red electrical tape. |
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3-Way Switch Wiring Diagram #3 above, shows the electric circuit source power starting starting at the right 3-way switch box, the same that has the romex wire going to the fixture. |
More about Wiring 3Way Switches |
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