The diagrams below show the conventional wiring for 3 way switches.
Three way light switch circuit diagram.
The first step in any electrical project is to make sure there is no power going to the circuit you plan to be working on.
Wiring a 3 way light switch.
Three way switches allow for controlling a light fixture from two separate locations these are usually used at the top and bottom of a flight of stairs or at two different entrances to a room.
Wiring diagram 3 way switch with light at the end.
Three way switch diagrams fully explained wiring 3way switches 3 way switches are a convenient way to operate lighting fixtures from two locations.
With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.
In this diagram the electrical source is at the first switch and the light is located at the end of the circuit.
Three wire cable runs between the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light.
If you have any problems with these switches it may be best to call an electrician.
This 3 way light switch diagram shows connections when the power comes into the first switch on to the second switch and then on to two or more lights switched by the 3 way circuit.
Turn the power off at circuit breaker.
This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be.
With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.
Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram.
3 way switch wiring diagram line to light fixtureline voltage enters the light fixture outlet box.
The black and red wires between sw1 and sw2 are connected to the traveler terminals.
I have a outside light by the door going out of the home that is controlled by a single pole switch.
Wiring a 3 way light switch is certainly more complicated than that of the more common single pole switch but you can figure it out if you follow our 3 way switch wiring diagram.
Building a new workshop that is detached from home.
Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram.
In this diagram two 3 way switches control a wall receptacle outlet that may be used to control a lamp from two entrances to a room.
Unfortunately not all 3 way switches are wired the conventional way.
In the above 3 way switch wiring diagram at each switch the black wire gets connected to the copper or black screw.
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.
No longer allowed after 2011 nec if no neutral wire in switch boxes 3 way switch wiring diagram light fixture between switchesline voltage enters the first 3 way switch outlet box light fixture is located between switch boxes no longer allowed after 2011 nec if no neutral wire in switch boxes.
Three wire cable runs between the switches and the outlet.
3 way switched outlet wiring.
See alternate 3 way switch wiring configuration for another way 3 way switches may be wired.
3 way switch wiring diagram depicting all wires in the ceiling junction box.
This circuit is wired the same way as the 3 way lights at this link.