A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. The existing 2 wire black and white romex can still be used to connect a 3 way switch 2 and the light fixture.
3 Way Switch Variations
How to wire 3 way light switch on 2 wires. The common terminal of the second 3 way switch connects to the light fixtures. The 3 wire cable enters through the top of the first switch box. It doesnt matter which traveler goes on which common terminal. And make sure all of your ground connections are completed and securely fastened. Connect the wires to the new 3 way switches with ground screws using one of the two wiring diagrams fig. If your 3 way light switch 2 is connected between the power supply and the light fixture as is most common.
At the line switch box the black wire of the two wire line cable gets connected to the copper or black screw terminal on the three way switch. Traveler wires are interchangeable on each switch. The red and black wires travelers of the 3 wire cable get connected to the common terminals on the three way switch. Heres how to wire a three way switch with easy tips from the family handyman. Feed a length of 14 3 type nm cable or 12 3 if youre connecting to 12 gauge wire between the two boxes. The 14 3 cable has three insulated conductors.
White black and red plus a bare ground wire. Connect the 3 wire cables white insulated wire neutral directly to the 2 wire feed white insulated neutral wire with wire nuts there is no connection of any white wires to this switch. Finish your work and test. Connect 3 wire cable in the first switch box. Traveler wires are interchangeable on each switch.
Gallery of How To Wire 3 Way Light Switch On 2 Wires
