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Electrical Wire and Cable


How to Correct 3-Way Switch Wiring


How are lights wired for three way switches? Electric Wire Configuration for 3-Way Switches.



Home Electrical Wiring Video

Hooking Up a Generator to the House Panel
Using a Circuit Breaker Interlock Kit
for Backup Power

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Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Wiring Three Way Switches
Electrical Question: How are lights wired with three way switches?

Please tell me how to connect the lights 3 wire into the three way switch.

This electrical wiring question came from: Stuart, a Homeowner from Marlboro, New Jersey.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Stuart.

3-Way Switch Wiring for Light Fixtures

Wire Configuration for 3-Way Switches

When wiring three way switches there is typically a “white wire” as part of the 3-wire cable, the ground is assumed. The white wire is typically used for 3-way switching, however the “Neutral” conductor of the light circuit which is normally the “white wire” is NOT connected to the white wire that is used for 3-way switching. This is why the white wire should be identified with black electrical tape or black permanent marker when use for any switch wiring to prevent confusion. The two wires that are used as travelers and connected to the bottom brass colored pair of screws on the switches are not configuration sensitive. The “Point” or Dark colored screw at the other end of the switch will need to be connected correctly. A lot of instructions refer to this screw as the “Common” which can be confused with the “Neutral” which is sometimes referred to a the common wire.

More about 3-Way Switch Wiring

3 Way Switch Diagram
wiring-a-3-way-switch
Easy to Understand 3 Way Switch Diagrams
3 Way Switch Diagrams Fully Explained. Detailed Electrical Wiring Diagrams and Pictures assist your Home Electrical Projects.

Electrical circuit
home-electrical-circuits
Electric Circuit Listing
The size of the home electrical service panel is designed by calculating the square footage of the home and factoring in the code requirements for the electrical circuits that are required.

Home lighting
recessed lighting
Home Lighting Articles
Home Lighting Articles covering recessed lighting, under cabinet lighting, lighting terminology and more.

For more information about Wiring Diagram
Wiring Diagram
Wiring Diagram
Wiring Diagram
Home electrical wiring diagrams are an important tool for completing your electrical projects. An electrical wiring diagram can be as simple as a diagram showing how to install a new switch in your hallway, or as complex as the complete electrical blueprint for your new home or home improvement project.


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book
Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

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.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


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

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 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.


More articles about 3-Way Switch, Electrical Wiring and Home Electrical Wiring:
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