If you are trying to troubleshoot a 3 way switch operation then you will need to identify the function of each wire. All of the switches shown below are 3 way.
3 Way Smart Switch Wiring A 5 Steps Guide
Different 3 way switch wiring. Conventional 3 way switch wiring configuration. Below is a variation with the light between the two switches ie panel switch light switch. There are two clear giveaways that identify a switch as being a three way type. In this diagram the incoming hot wire attaches to the first switchs common dark colored terminal. With conventional wiring the common wire from one switch connects to line the common wire from the other switch connects to the load lights. All three way switch and 2 way switch wiring diagrams have the same basic components.
The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. The white neutral wires are connected together in each switch box. Three way switches are always used in pairs and include special wiring connections. Diagrams shown on this page are simplified for clarity.
Traveler wires are interchangeable on each switch. There are three screw terminals on the body of the switch in addition to the green grounding. There are no onoff markings on the switch toggle. The black and red wires between sw1 and sw2 are connected to the traveler terminals. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. Controlling more than one light.
3 way switches have three terminals one common usually black color and one pair of travelers usually brass color. 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. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. When wiring a 3 way switch circuit we will be using a 3 wire cable known as romex coming from the source such as the breaker box. Then a 4 wire cable going between the two 3 way switches and then a 3 wire cable going from the switches to the load. Components of 3 way switch wiring.
The pair of travelers on one switch connect to the pair of travelers on the other switch. The two hot wires of three wire cable connect to a pair of brass colored traveler terminals on each switch. Three wire cable runs between the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light. Wires consisting of a line a load a neutral a pair of travelers and two 3 way switches. Such markings are not needed with this type of switch as they are. 3 way switch wiring diagram.
Each 3 way switch in these examples are controlling the power source to the same load. The common terminal of the second 3 way switch connects to the light fixtures. 3 way switch circuits variations single light circuits. This 3 way switch wiring diagram shows how to wire the switches and the light when the power is coming to the light switch. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Wiring diagram 3 way switch with light at the end in this diagram the electrical source is at the first switch and the light is located at the end of the circuit.
Additional lights are just. The three way switch is a variation of the standard single pole switch which controls a light only from one location. Any of the above can be modified to control multiple lights.
Gallery of Different 3 Way Switch Wiring
