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