With a pair of 3 way switches either switch can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. By doing it yourself you can also save a lot of money and make a significant improvement to your home.
Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch.
3 way lighting wiring diagram. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Our easy to follow 3 way wiring diagram changing from a single pole to a 3 way light switch allows you to turn on a light on. A wiring diagram is a streamlined traditional photographic depiction of an electrical circuit.
Wiring of 3 way light switches 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. 2 way light switch 3 wire system new harmonised cable colours 2 way switch 3 wire system old cable colours 2 way switch two wire control three way switching. Usually the third wire passes the middle intermediate switch but is joined in a separate terminal block.
You must completely forget about the notion of a switch being a simple openclosed circuit and look at the diagram of the circuitry of this modern alternative. How to wire a 3 way light switch and connect two 3 way switches to an existing or new light fixture is one of those diy projects a homeowner can tackle on their own. Three way switching 3 wires.
All earth wires should connect to the earth terminal in the switch back boxes and if you are using metal switches there must be a loop from this earth terminal to the one on the switch plate see note a on fig 2. If you are familiar with wiring a two way lighting circuit then the addition of an extra switching point will not be much of a problem. Three way light switching wiring diagram.
3 way switch wiring diagram line to light fixtureline voltage enters the light fixture outlet box. Three way lighting circuit wiring the 3 way lighting circuit which is often referred to as the two way and intermediate lighting circuit is a common arrangement usually found in large houses. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram.
Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram. It reveals the elements of the circuit as streamlined shapes and the power and also signal links in between the gadgets. Knowing how to wire a three way lighting switch comes down to understanding the operation of this contraption.
Three wires between the two end switches probably using 3 core and earth cable. Old multi point radial lighting diagram using junction boxes. A three way switch is fundamentally different in its operation from a regular two way switch.
Variety of 3 way switch wiring diagram light in middle. 3 way light switching new cable colours 3 way light switch old cable colours. This is also known as the conversion method since it is the easiest way to add a second light switch to an existing circuit.
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 boxesno longer allowed after 2011 nec if no neutral wire in switch boxes. Wiring a three way light switch. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.