Since only one wire and the ground are used the other unused wire is capped off and saved for possible future use. I have always seen 3 wire to carry current over the travelers between switches then to the fixture on the common.
Enerlites 3 Way Decorator Paddle Light Switch Single Pole Or Three Way 3 Wire Grounding Screw Residential Grade 15a 120v 277v Ul Listed
3 way switch with only 3 wires. A 3 way switch allows you to turn a light on or off from two different switches. A third type is the four way switch which is used in conjunction with two three way switches to control lighting from more than two locations. 3 way switches are useful for large rooms with multiple entrances but require a bit more wiring than a standard single pole switch. 3 way switch wiring diagram with line and load in the same switch box. There was no red wire in the original configuration either. Notice that there is an unswitched hot and neutral at both switch boxes.
Its likely youll also need to replace the. In the future a person. Fyi i have the same thing going on with a switch by the kitchen and one at the bottom of the basement stairs removed a snarl of wires and now the 3 way switch has to be on at the bottom of the stairs in order to work from the switch at the top. Add an electrical box for the second 3 way switch in the basement. 3 way wiring for smart switches is different than standard 3 way wiring. The three way switch is a variation of the standard single pole switch which controls a light only from one location.
Have not found where the switched leg is being picked up for the receptacles in the room. This configuration may be used in open plan homes or in large kitchens or great rooms where a central bank of lighting fixtures might be controlled from more than two entry points. In a smart switch 3 way configuration a smaller charge is looped through the add on switch. Either way complete these five steps for 3 way light switch wiring. The white wire between switches is not being used as a neutral. These 3 wires are wrapped in a sheathing.
An example of three way switch wiring with the line and load in the same 4 square electrical box. You cannot use dumb 3 way switches with smart switches you must purchase the matching ge add on switch to wire with your ge smart master switch. Running only an individual wire without a ground or sheathing or conduit is not permitted. Finally a switch leg returns to the middle box on the 3rd wire in your second box and is joined to the load there. The wiring method will depend on whether your power goes to the switch first or the light first. Turn off the correct circuit at your electrical panel.
Its likely youll also need to replace the. Power comes down to your first switch on one of your 3 wires then two travelers return to the middle box where they are joined to two travelers going down to your second switch location. The white wire must be re identified as a hot wire at each switch location. Some things to know. Looked at an existing home brother in laws and found that the 3 way switch in the dining room only has 2 wire running from 3 way to 3 way.
Gallery of 3 Way Switch With Only 3 Wires
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