Three Way Electrical 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.

Three way electrical switch.

3 way switch schematic wiring diagram. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. Wall switches used to control ceiling light fixtures or other fixtures come in three types. The white wire becomes the energized switch leg as indicated by using black or red electrical tape.

This is only a wiring schematic and not the actual wiring method used for 3 way switch installations. The white wire of the cable going to the switch is attached to the black line in the fixture box using a wire nut. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. With nm cable the wire colors for travelers will be black and red using 3 wire cable with conduit the wire colors for travelers could be any color.

Diy electrical wiring a 3 way switch. Maxxima 3 way single pole decorative led slide dimmer rocker switch electrical light switch 600 watt max led compatible wall plate included 2 pack 4 3 out of 5 stars 884 21 99 21. For example a long hallway or stairway might use a pair of three way. 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.

3 way switch wire colorsthere is no standard for wire colors on 3 way switch travelers the colors will vary depending on whether nm cable or conduit was used. Unfortunately not all 3 way switches are wired the conventional way. See alternate 3 way switch wiring configuration for another way 3 way switches may be wired. 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.

If you have any problems with these switches it may be best to call an electrician. 3 way switch diagram 2 above shows the electricity source starting at the fixture. The diagrams below show the conventional wiring for 3 way switches. Add an electrical box for the second 3 way switch in the basement.

Either way complete these five steps for 3 way light switch wiring. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Basic 3 way switch diagram how to wire 3 way light switch step by step. Most common is the single pole switch the type used to control a light fixture from a single location the next most common is the three way switch which is commonly used to control a light fixture from two different locations.

Two very old three way switches. Below is a simple 3 way schematic that can be applied to all three way electrical light switch connections. Turn off the correct circuit at your electrical panel. Turn the power off at circuit breaker.

Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch.