Wiring a 3 way light switch is certainly more. As with flexible cords the nec doesnt consider fixture wires to be a wiring method and just as the nec provides a large table that lists flexible cords it also provides table 4023 which lists the various types of fixture wires and table 4025 which specifies their allowable ampacities.
Apnt 23 Understanding 2 Wire And 3 Wire Lighting Systems
Wiring a light fixture with 3 wires. Wiring a light fixture cord. Heres how to connect a 2 wire light fixture to a 3 wire ceiling box. These connect to the black and white wires in the electrical box with the provided larger. Traveler wires are interchangeable on each switch. Always turn off the power at the breaker or fuse box before you work on electricity. Basic electricians pouch hand tools and voltage tester.
How to identify 120 volt light fixture cord wires. Wiring light fixture cord wires. Once youre done youll be able to control a light from two switches. Beginner to intermediate best performed by a licensed electrician. The common terminal of the second 3 way switch connects to the light fixtures. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch.
This story features diagrams that show how to wire 3 way switches. How to attach a two wire lighting fixture to a three wire supply step 1. Test the wires to verify that no power exists using a voltage tester. This keeps you safe from potential electric shock. Turn off the circuit breaker at the main panel that supplies power to the three wire cable intended for the. Light fixtures with more than one lamp may have a pair of black and white wires for each lamp.
If youre changing out a light fixture and find two wires on the fixture and three wires in the box youre not out of luck. Depends on personal level experience comprehension and ability to work with tools. Identify the circuit turn it off and tag it with a note before working with the wiring. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. The wiring is more complicated than a traditional single pole switch but well explain how to make the connections. Place one probe of the tester on the.