Three Way Light Switch Circuit

This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be.

Three way light switch circuit.

The whole wiring a light switch project can be completed in a few hours if you don t have to do any drywall removal and repair. Keep reading and learn how to wire a light switch. The hot source wire is connected to the common terminal on sw1. Another dead giveaway of a three way switch is the absence of on and off markings.

A 3 way light switch allows you to control a light source from two separate points. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. Although a 3 way is one of the hardest electrical circuits to figure out it s also one of the most useful. Between each three way switch is a pair of travelers that are connected to the common terminals.

Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. 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. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram.

This is known as the common screw and it s usually black instead of brass or silver. For example they can be arranged so that the feed cable runs to the first three way switch then to the light fixture box then to the second three way switch. 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. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch.

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 three way light switch is different than a traditional single pole light switch as it contains an extra screw to connect an extra wire. On one of the 3 way switches a line or hot wire gets connected to the copper or black screw terminal. Three way switches can be wired in a number of different ways depending on where they are located relative to the light fixture in the circuit cable runs.

The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. There are several ways to install a 3 way light switch. The methods shown here are some of the safest and most versatile though not the only options. Three way switch wiring with light middle the source in this circuit is at the first switch and the light fixture is located between sw1 and sw2.

With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.