ask the electrician
Electrician Training Electrical Certification wiring recessed light fixtures Electrical Wiring Electrical Troubleshooting and Electrical Repairs wire outdoor light fixture Home Electrical Wiring Diagrams
wiring home generator and transfer switch wiring a 220 volt range cord outlet Wiring for GFCI Outlets Wiring Outlets and a Switched Outlet Wiring and Installing Ceiling Fans and Remote Controls wire dimmer switch wiring diagrams for switches wiring a dryer cord and 220 outlet circuit breaker panel
Electrical Wire and Cable


The Right Way to Wire Three Way Light Switches

';

My outside light will not work unless the inside light is on, is this right? Lets review the Right Way of Wiring Three Way Light Switches, and discover a key factor that will help you.

© By:

Electrical Wiring Video



Home Electrical Wiring Videos about this Topic and More

Check out my YouTube Channel, and Subscribe!



Learn more with my Home Electrical Video Course:

Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Wire Three Way Switches
[ad#block]Electrical Question: My outside light will not work unless the inside light is on, is this right?

I have a 3 way switch for inside lights and an outside light switch in the same box. However, the outside light will not work unless the inside lights (on the 3 way is on) – either of the 3 way switches can be on, as long as the lights are on.
Questions, is this standard? And, should there be a way inside the box to change the wiring to allow the light switches to work independently of each other. I have 4 sets of wires coming in or going out of the box. ( I would think 1 to the other 3 way, a second to the outside light, third would be power, and 4th may go to the inside lights.) Thanks.

This electrical question came from: Tom, a Homeowner from Butler, Pennsylvania.
See more about Home Wiring for Pennsylvania

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Tom.

How to Wire 3-Way Switches

There are Many Ways to Wire Three Way Light Switches. Lets review the Right Way of  Wiring Three Way Light Switches, and discover a key factor that will help you.

The Key to Wiring 3-Way Switches

Tom, the key to wiring three way light switches is to identify where the power enters the switching circuit and identify where the wiring leave to feed the light fixtures that are being controlled. Once this is understood then the wiring connections will be crystal clear as outlined in my exhaustive full color three way switch e book which is available below.

More about Wiring Three Way Switches

How to Wire a Switch
electrical-switches

Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1

Wiring Diagrams

Fully Explained Light Switch Wiring Diagrams. Detailed Electrical Wiring Diagrams and Pictures assist your Home Electrical Projects.
3 Way Switch Diagram
3 Way Switch Diagram

3 Way Switch Diagram

In response to the requests for this information, I have developed a comprehensive,step-by-step guide designed to walk you through the identification and wiring of your 3-way switches.




The following may also be helpful for you:


electrical wiring book

A Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Be sure to get your copy of my BIG Book:
Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians
Includes:
Home Electrical Wiring - Room by Room
120 Volt Circuits
240 Volt Circuits
Multi-Wired Circuits
Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Electrical 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 Switches and Home Electrical Wiring:

« Previous Next »

Wiring a Light Fixture to a Switched Outlet

Power Quality Can Affect Computer Performance