Three Way Light Switch Schematic

With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.

Three way light switch schematic.

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. 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. Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram.

Two very old three way switches are depicted in the photo above. 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. 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. 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.

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. Two very old three way switches. Wiring a 3 way light switch. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.

3 way switch wiring diagram line to light fixtureline voltage enters the light fixture outlet box. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Below is a simple 3 way schematic that can be applied to all three way electrical light switch connections.