Three Way Light Switch Diagram

With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.

Three way light switch diagram.

With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. 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. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. Three way switches allow for controlling a light fixture from two separate locations these are usually used at the top and bottom of a flight of stairs or at two different entrances to a room.

Wiring a 3 way light switch. Two three way switches control one light with the electric power coming through the first switch flowing to the second switch and then to the light fixture. The black and red wires between sw1 and sw2 are connected to the traveler terminals. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch.

Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram. 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 boxes no longer allowed after 2011 nec if no neutral wire in switch boxes. The ground wire goes through both switch boxes and the ceiling light box and it is connected at all junctions except the light with a pigtail short piece of wire and wire connector. 3 way switch wiring diagram line to light fixtureline voltage enters the light fixture outlet box.

This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Three wire cable runs between the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light.