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Wiring a 3-Way Switch


wiring electrical switches
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Summary: Electrical Switches Question:
I am installing switches and receptacles and i'm having trouble installing one 3-way switch.

How to Wire a 3Way Switch




Electrical Switches Question:
I had an electrician rough wire the lighting circuits in a basement finish.

I am installing the switches and receptacles. I'm having trouble installing one 3-way switch. Both switch boxes have a hot feed. How do I wire these switches?
Larry K.

Hi Larry - Great Electrical Repair Question!
There are a few ways that 3-way switches can be wired.

It is normal to have power at both switch boxes due to the nature of the switching, however your electrician may have carried power through to feed outlets as well where he could have included a white neutral which is not used for the 3-way switching

Here is a link to some visual wiring diagrams that should help you.
3-Way Switch Wiring Diagrams

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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.


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