How do I wire my 3-way switches?

In order to answer this question you must first identify the configuration of your existing wiring configuration including….

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Electrical Question from billy about 3 Way Switch Diagram
[ad#block]Question: Do I connect a red wire to the white or black wire in a 3-way switch configuration?

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Billy. In order to answer this question you must first identify the configuration of your existing wiring, including where the power source enters and where the switch leg leading up to the light fixtures is. Then you identify the travelers which connect between the two 3-way switches. Fully explained wiring instructions and wiring diagrams can be found here in the 3 Way Switch area here in this website.
Just click the 3 Way Switch Diagram link below.

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More articles about 3-Way Switch, Electrical, Lighting and Home Electrical Wiring:
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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

One Response to “How do I wire my 3-way switches?”

roger says:

November 26, 2010 at 10:48 pm

How to wire a ceiling fan between 2 three way switches, 12/3 from 1st switch, going to existing light, then 12/3 going from light to second switch, wanting to replace existing light with ceiling fan/light combo

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 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 great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, 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

A wire stripping tool used 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.

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Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
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Electrical Tools Required:
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Important:
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