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. Ken a homeowner from toronto ontario.
Electrical Installations 3 Way Lighting Circuit Facebook
3 way lighting circuit. There are also four way five way and a gazillion way circuits. Regardless of what 3 way switch wiring diagram youre following youll need to use a 3 wire cable to connect the two 3 way light switches. I just need to get the fixture working again. Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable in the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. Although a 3 way is one of the hardest electrical circuits to figure out its also one of the most useful. Of the three circuit terminals one is called the common and the other two are known as travelers.
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. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. Stairwells hallways and large rooms with multiple access are all candidates for 3 way circuits. The whole wiring a light switch project can be completed in a few hours if you dont have to do any drywall removal and repair. Three way switches have 3 terminals to carry circuit electricity and one terminal for a ground wire.
The following links will assist you with wiring your 3 way switches. A 3 way light switch allows you to control a light source from two separate points. This electrical question came from. Three way light switch with the power feed via the switch single light. 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. 3 way switch diagram.
Thanks for your electrical question ken. The common terminal may be labeled and is usually a different color than the traveler terminals. There are several ways to install a 3 way light switch. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. A 3 way circuit is a lighting circuit that allows one light fixture to be controlled by two wall switches in different locations. The methods shown here are some of the safest and most versatile though not the only options.
Here is our selection of three way light switch circuit diagrams. This is where two switches control the same light or lights. A properly functioning 3 way switch would be an added bonus. Keep reading and learn how to wire a light switch. The electrical symbol indicates where power enters the circuit.