This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. 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.
Wiring Diagrams For 3 Way Switches
Three way switch diagram. The basic 3 way switch wiring diagram this is the most common and the easiest wiring diagram to follow of any of the wiring diagrams for a 3 way switch circuit. 3 way switch diagram 2 above shows the electricity source starting at the fixture. The white wire becomes the energized switch leg as indicated by using black or red electrical tape. The two hot wires of three wire cable connect to a pair of brass colored traveler terminals on each switch. 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. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram.
The white wire must be re identified as a hot wire at each switch location. The fixtures hot wire connects. This wire diagram shows the wiring for source power into the first three way switch then 3 wire cable to the next 3 way light switch and then on to the light or light fixtures. 3 way switch wire diagram power to light switch in this diagram the incoming hot wire attaches to the first switchs common dark colored terminal. Most common is the single pole switch the type used to control a light fixture from a single locationthe next most common is the three way switch which is commonly used to control a light fixture from two different locations. 3 way switch wiring with.
Three way switch wiring with light middle. The source in this circuit is at the first switch and the light fixture is. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. With conventional wiring the common wire from one switch connects to line the common wire from the other switch connects to the load lights. 3 way switch wiring diagram with line and load in the same switch box.
3 way switch wiring diagrams wiring diagram 3 way switch with light at the end. 3 way switch wiring diagram. In this diagram the electrical source is at the first switch and the. 3 way switches have three terminals one common usually black color and one pair of travelers usually brass color. All of the switches shown below are 3 way. 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 white wire between switches is not being used as a neutral. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. For example a long hallway or stairway might use a pair of three way. An example of three way switch wiring with the line and load in the same 4 square electrical box. Wall switches used to control ceiling light fixtures or other fixtures come in three types.
The white wire of the cable going to the switch is attached to the black line in the fixture box using a wire nut.