Unfortunately not all 3 way switches are wired the conventional way. A 3 way switch makes it possible to turn the power on and off from more than one location.
How To Wire A Three Way And Four Way Switch Configuration
3 way switch configurations. For example they can be arranged so that the feed cable runs to the first three way switch then to the light fixture box then to the second three way switch. Alternate 3 way switch wiring a traveler terminal from each switch are connected together. Its likely youll also need to replace the. All three way switch and 2 way switch wiring diagrams have the same basic components. The remaining common and traveler terminals on each switch are connected together and. A common terminal from one switch and the other traveler terminal from the other switch are connected together and.
4 way switches are added when there are three or more locations. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. Wires consisting of a line a load a neutral a pair of travelers and two 3 way switches. The wires that are connected to these terminals are referred to as the travelers. See alternate 3 way switch wiring configuration for another way 3 way switches may be wired. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch.
In the diagrams below the travelers will always be the red and black wires of a 143 cable. If you have any problems with these switches it may be best to call an electrician. 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. Either way complete these five steps for 3 way light switch wiring. It is true that there are several wiring configurations for wiring 3 way light switches and all of the wiring configurations will depend on where the incoming circuit power is located and once that is identified the rest of the three way wiring connections are straight forward. Conventional 3 way switch wiring configuration.
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. Turn off the correct circuit at your electrical panel. 3 way switch diagrams for multiple light fixtures. 3 way switch wiring diagram. Its likely youll also need to replace the. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be.
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. Add an electrical box for the second 3 way switch in the basement. All of the switches shown below are 3 way. 3 way switches have three terminals one common usually black color and one pair of travelers usually brass color. If you are trying to troubleshoot a 3 way switch operation then you will need to identify the function of each wire. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.
On three way switches they are the two like colored terminals screws. The three way switch is a variation of the standard single pole switch which controls a light only from one location. A multi way switch is a 3 way or 4 way switch meaning that the same lights can be controlled from multiple locations. This is the third usually black colored terminal on a three way switch.
Gallery of 3 Way Switch Configurations
