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3Way Switch Wiring Diagrams
 | Summary: The key to three way switch wiring depends on two main factors. These first three wiring diagrams in this series will help you identify the power feed and the switch wiring leading to the light fixture. © By: Dave Rongey |
3 Way Switch Wiring Diagrams
DIY Electrical Wiring Video
How to Wire a 3Way and 4Way Light Switches
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The Key to three way switch wiring:
The Power Feed and the Switch Leg leading to the fixture(s) typically, one at each switch location, are attached to the screw terminal found at one end of the switch by itself. This terminal is usually identified by a darker colored screw.
The pair of screw terminals at the opposite end of the switch are for the pair of wires known as "travelers", (also known as "jockeys").
The "travelers" actually pass the electricity between the two 3-way switches, as well as the 4-way switches, shown in the 4-way switching wiring diagrams.
Electrical Wiring and the Ground Conductor
The ground conductor is required for all applications as well. The ground conductors are always bonded together to insure the integrity of the ground path.
If you are using metal boxes, the ground conductor must be attached to each box by using a threaded ground screw or provided attachment.
The frames of the switches which have a ground screw are to be attached to the ground conductor as required.
3-Way Light Switch Wiring |
3-Way Switching provides switching from two locations |
3-Way Switch Wiring Diagram #1 above, shows that the electric circuit source power is located at the left side 3-way switch box. The cable wires lead to a second 3-way switch box on the right side. |
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3-Way Switch Wiring Diagram #2 above, shows the electric circuit power source comes into the light fixture box. The white wire of the cable wiring is marked with black electrical tape, and is going to the switch. The other end of this wire is connected to the black wire of the light fixture in the light fixture box. The white wire marked with black tape becomes the energized switch leg. |
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3-Way Switch Wiring Diagram #3 above, shows the electric circuit source power located at the right 3-way switch box, and this switch box also has the cable that goes to the light fixture. |
Home Electrical Wiring
Wire a GFCI Outlet without a Ground Wire
Helping You Wire it Right
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More about Wiring 3Way Switches
| « Single Switch Wiring Diagram 2 | How to Wire Three Way Switches Part 2 » |
 | Frequently Asked QuestionsMore about Wiring 3way Switches
How are 3-way switches wired? The Key to Wiring 3 Way Switch and 3 Way Dimmer Switch Wiring, Key Wiring Configurations for 3 way Switch Wiring. Fixing Your 3-Way Switches Common Problems with 3-Way Switches and How to Fix Them: Basic Wiring Method for 3Way Switches, 3-Wire Cable Connects the Switches, Easy to Understand 3 Way Switch Diagrams. How To Wire a Ceiling Fan and Light Fixture How Do I Wire my Ceiling Fan and Light Fixture? The Pull Chain Switch for a Ceiling Fan Light Fixture, and the Fan Motor Capacitor. 3 Way Switch Diagrams To Get Your Lights Working Today 3 Way Switch Wiring – Wiring three way switches can be tricky but once you see how the 3-way switches should be wired then it is clearly understood and your switches can be wired and working in no time. How to Light Up a Dark Hallway I have a 6 year old who is terrified to walk down the dark hallway at night to get to the bathroom. I wanted to switch out the 3-way switch for a 3-way dimmer switch so I can leave the light on but dimmed so the whole hallway is illuminated. See more about Electrical Troubleshooting and Electrical Repairs. Learn more about Wiring 3way Switches |
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 outletsProvides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiencyLights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is includedTests standard 3-wire outletsUL ListedLight 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.
Switches Parts and Accessories
Light Switch Single Pole
More about: Switch
Smart Light Switch Wire Connections
Humidity and Electrical Switches and Wire Splices
The Key to 4 Way Switch Wiring
Wiring a Up Down Switch for a Electric Projector Screen
Fix Light Fixture and Switch Wiring Problems
Wire a Switched Outlet to Control a Lamp
Replacing a 3Way Switch with a Time Switch
Wire a Disconnect Switch for a Tankless Water Heater
- Smart Light Switch Wire Connections I am trying to connect a smart light switch. The existing switch only has two black wires connected to it, which i assume are the line and load wire.
- Humidity and Electrical Switches and Wire Splices How do I solve a humidity problem that effects some of the electrical devices? Whenever summer arrives, I encounter problems with both the kitchen light and my dishwasher.
- The Key to 4 Way Switch Wiring How to Wire a 4 Way Switch: My old 4-way light switch broke. I bought a new switch. The new switch has 4 terminals, two on either side, top and bottom.
- Wiring a Up Down Switch for a Electric Projector Screen How to Wire Motorized Big Screen Projector Switch
- Fix Light Fixture and Switch Wiring Problems How to Fix a problem with a light that your trying to install. Wiring Connections for Light Fixtures and Switches.
- Wire a Switched Outlet to Control a Lamp Wire a Switched Outlet for a Lamp | Identify the Electrical Circuit Wiring, Switched Outlet Wiring Diagram.
- Replacing a 3Way Switch with a Time Switch Converting a 3Way Switch to a Time Switch: Converting the wiring from two 3way switches to become a single timer control is accomplished by converting the wiring so that the power source of the hot and neutral are at the location where the timer will be installed.
- Wire a Disconnect Switch for a Tankless Water Heater I installed a tankless water heater. I put a non-fuseable disconnect between it and the breaker box. How do I wire a 60amp Siemens disconnect switch for a Tankless Water Heater?
Top of List DIY Home Electrical Wiring Projects
Top of List DIY Home Electrical Wiring Projects
Top of List DIY Home Electrical Wiring Projects
Top of List DIY Home Electrical Wiring Projects
Top of List DIY Home Electrical Wiring Projects
Top of List DIY Home Electrical Wiring Projects
Top of List DIY Home Electrical Wiring Projects
Top of List DIY Home Electrical Wiring Projects
Electrical Tips to Help You!
Wiring Switches
Wiring Diagrams for SwitchesSingle Switch Wiring Diagram 1Single Switch Wiring Diagram 23 Way Switch Wiring Diagram4 Way Switch Wiring DiagramWiring 3way and 4way SwitchesDimmer Switches
120 Volt Circuits
Electrical OutletsGFCI ReceptaclesAFCI CircuitSwitched Outlet WiringHome LightingMicrowave CircuitSmoke DetectorsJacuzzi Planning
Home Wiring
Kitchen ElectricalBathroom ElectricalBedroom ElectricalHome Office ElectricalLaundry ElectricalGarage ElectricalWorkshop ElectricalBasem*nt ElectricalWiring Symbols
Wiring Light Switches
Electrical Project Skill Level:Beginner to Intermediate.
Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level of experience, ability to work with hand tools used for wiring switches, and the available access to the project area.
Electrical Safety:
Identify the lighting circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Electric Switch Parts and Materials:
Electrical parts and materials for wiring switches should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections:
Installing additional electrical wiring for light switches should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
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