Three Way Electrical Switch Wiring

In the ceiling light fixture electrical box one black wire from a 3 way switch gets connected to the black load wire on the light fixture.

Three way electrical switch wiring. You must completely forget about the notion of a switch being a simple open closed circuit and look. In the above 3 way switch wiring diagram at each switch the black wire gets connected to the copper or black screw. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. Diy electrical wiring a 3 way switch.

The purpose of a three way electrical switch knowing how to wire a three way lighting switch comes down to understanding the operation of this contraption. Building a new workshop that is detached from home. Regardless of what 3 way switch wiring diagram you re following you ll need to use a 3 wire cable to connect the two 3 way light switches. First of all we need to go over a little terminology so you know exactly what is being discussed.

Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. Turn off the correct circuit at your electrical panel. It s likely you ll also need to replace the existing switch box with a larger one to accommodate the extra wires for the 3 way switch.

Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. Either way complete these five steps for 3 way light switch wiring. Go to my switch terminology page where i discuss the terms used for the different types of home electrical switches. 3 way switch wiring diagram depicting all wires in the ceiling junction box.

Three way switch diagrams fully explained wiring 3way switches 3 way switches are a convenient way to operate lighting fixtures from two locations. I have a outside light by the door going out of the home that is controlled by a single pole switch. Add an electrical box for the second 3 way switch in the basement. A three way wall switch is a common type of light switch that makes it possible to control a ceiling light or other electrical fixture from two different locations in a room.

So what you should see if you have correct 3 wire electrical cable romex is a black power white neutral and now a 3rd red wire. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. In a hallway or large room for example installing three way switches at both ends lets you turn the light fixture on or off from both locations.

A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. Wiring a 2 way switch is about as simple as it gets when it comes to basic house wiring.