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Electrical Question about Wiring for Three Way Switches


I am trying to wire a single pole switch and a 3 way switch into 1 switch Box. I believe the power comes in from the single light into…



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Electrical Question from Chris about Light Switch Wiring
Background: Chris, a Homeowner from Durango, CO
[ad#block]Question: I am trying to wire a single pole switch and a 3 way switch into 1 switch Box. I believe the power comes in from the single light into the box.Thank you

Additional Comments: Excellent

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Chris. If you wish to convert the switching from one switch to two three-way switches then a 3-wire cable will need to be installed between the two three-way switch locations. There are wiring diagrams in this website that show this wiring configuration, just follow the link below to the Wiring Diagrams location.

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Wiring Diagrams

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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

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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.


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

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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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2 Responses to “Electrical Question about Wiring for Three Way Switches”
  1. shane says:

    My 3 way switched dont work.
    I understand that the power will go to the 1st switches common screw, and the traveler to the light goes on the second switch common screw.
    however,
    both the power and the wire for the light are going into the same box, and the swich downstairs has just 1 14/3 wire running to the box.
    also, apparently all the wires in the box upstairs (1st switch) are live,
    for the time being i have it wired a very strange way and i dont want anything to go wrong, (fire).

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Shane,
    May I encourage you to check out my 3-Way Switch Ebook which will show you so much more than I could possibly explain right here, and the diagram you need to see is right there all laid out in full color just waiting for you.
    Its a complete bargain, especially if you want to wire your three way switches the right way and get them working today – GUARANTEED!
    Dave