A 3 way wall switch controls a common light or set of lights from two separate switch locations.
Three way light switch connection.
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.
With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.
The methods shown here are some of the safest and most versatile though not the only options.
Four way circuits are just a tad different than three way circuits mostly since the light switch that you add in has to be a four way switch rather than just another three way switch.
Three way switch diagrams fully explained wiring 3way switches 3 way switches are a convenient way to operate lighting fixtures from two locations.
Two common screws and two brass screws not counting the ground screw.
A four way switch has an extra common screw to bring the total number of screws up to four.
Before proceeding make sure you are comfortable working with electrical wires and switches.
3 way switched outlet wiring.
With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.
Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram.
In this diagram two 3 way switches control a wall receptacle outlet that may be used to control a lamp from two entrances to a room.
Although a 3 way is one of the hardest electrical circuits to figure out it s also one of the most useful.
Three wire cable runs between the switches and the outlet.
Run new cable romex between the 3 way switches.
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.
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.
This guide highlights the procedures for replacing a broken 3 way electrical switch.
How would this be wired.
Wiring a 3 way light switch.
A 3 way light switch allows you to control a light source from two separate points.
Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch.
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.
This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be.
Three way switch wiring.
There are several ways to install a 3 way light switch.
This circuit is wired the same way as the 3 way lights at this link.
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.
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.
Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram.
Two 3 way switches are required in any 3 way application.
