A 3 wire cable has an extra wire when compared to 2 wire cables and this wire is nearly always covered in red insulation. Either way complete these five steps for 3 way light switch wiring.
How To Wire Three Way Switches Part 1
Light switch with 3 wires. This third wire is necessary for 3 way switch installations. The lighting could be added to the three wire cable provided that the circuit breaker is no more than 15 amps and the wire size is no greater than 14 gauge. Because the electrical code as of the 2011 nec update requires a neutral wire in most new switch boxes a 3 wire cable runs between the light and switch. From it there is 3 wire cable that leads to a light which then connects to other lights controlled by their own switches. Plus the two black wires are using the same terminal. Theres no three way set up and this isnt a switch loop either.
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. Before proceeding make sure you are comfortable working with electrical wires and switches. Three wire supply cables generally carry red and black hot wires of 110 to 120 volts each with a single white neutral wire. The switch in question is a single pole. The red and black are used for hot and the white neutral wire at the switch box allows for powering a timer remote control or other programmable switch. Leave 810 inches 203254 cm of wire inside each of the boxes before cutting the cable to facilitate easy splicing and connection to the switch and fixture.
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. If you have a 2 gang or 3 gang switch you may have black and grey wires however these will have a brown sleeve on them as they are also switched live wires. Two 3 way switches are required in any 3 way application. This guide highlights the procedures for replacing a broken 3 way electrical switch. Turn off the correct circuit at your electrical panel. Connecting a two wire light fixture to a three wire power supply cable is not an ordinary occurrence.
Its likely youll also need to replace the. 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. Its likely youll also need to replace the. A 3 way wall switch controls a common light or set of lights from two separate switch locations. Add an electrical box for the second 3 way switch in the basement. 3 wire lighting systems the 3 wire system is less common than the 2 wire system it includes a neutral at the switch as well as the live and switched live wires.
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.
Gallery of Light Switch With 3 Wires
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