» Helping You Wire It Right!
» Home » Electrical Wiring Projects
» Residential Electrical Wiring: Dave's Guide to Home Wiring
» Need Electrical Help? Ask the Electrician

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….

Electrical Video #1 Electrical Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
<span style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start">?</span> Helping You to Wire It Right! See more Home Electrical Wiring Videos Check out my YouTube Channel, and Subscribe! See the Electrical Wiring Video #2 Below:

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.

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

For more information about 3 Way Switch Diagram
3 Way Switch Diagram

This link is helpful as a Homeowner
Do-It-Yourself Electrical

Make sure not to miss these Resources for: Other
Home Electrical Wiring Resources

Be Careful and Be Safe – Never Work on Energized Circuits!

For Best Results Consult a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Locate An Electrical Contractor in Your Area

The following may also be helpful for you:

Electrical Wiring Video #2

Home Electrical Wiring Videos about this Topic and More

Check out my YouTube Channel, and Subscribe!

Dave's Companion Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book
Great for any Home Wiring Project.

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
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.

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

More articles about 3-Way Switch, Electrical, Lighting and Home Electrical Wiring:
« Previous	Next »
Can I install two dimmers for 3-way switches?	How can I wire 2 lights controlled by 5 switches?

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

Recent Testimonials

I think your site offers the the clearest and best electrical information for homeowners I have ever seen on the net.You have given me confidence to do my own projects which I never had before. THANK YOU!
Paul, from Foxboro, Massachusetts

I wish I found this site earlier, it is by far the best electrical related resource I have found on the web.
George, from Scranton, Pennsylvania

I love this site for an office worker that does not know anything about electric wiring.
Bill, from New York City, New York

This site is so much better than the 3 books I just bought, I wish I came here first.
Collin, from Grand Rapids, Michigan

Thank you for answering my question.
I was able to get this done. This site is perfect. I am glad I found it. Please keep it going.
Mike, from Chicago, Illinois

Read more Comments

Leave a Comment

Residential Electrical Wiring

Learn Electrical Wiring
Instructional Electrical Wiring Videos

Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs

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

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.

Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.

Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.