Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.
Connecting A Leviton 3 Way Dimmer Switch To New 3 Way Circuit
Wiring a three way switch. Run new cable romex between the 3 way switches. 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. Install a three way switch three way switch three way cable with another for ground wire four total terminal screws no12 wire linemans pliers or hacksaw sharp knife or slitting tool wire strippers hand brace drill with long auger electricians bit coil of electricians fish wire grounding screws. Wires consisting of a line a load a neutral a pair of travelers and two 3 way switches. Attach the black power cable from the wall to the general screw black in the three way light switch. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be.
Step 3 connect the. Step 2 connect the black wire to the input 1 of your switch. How to wire a three way switch step 1. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. If you are trying to troubleshoot a 3 way switch operation then you will need to identify the function of each wire. Either way complete these five steps for 3 way light switch wiring.
When wiring a 3 way switch first screw the terminal screws of the new switch until they are difficult to turn. All three way switch and 2 way switch wiring diagrams have the same basic components. How to wire a three way switch step 1 the breaker phase black wire neutral white wire as well as the ground green wire must be landed in the. Connect the two remaining traveler wires to the two brass or light colored screws. Connect the wire marked common to the black or dark colored screw. Its likely youll also need to replace the.
Run three conductor wire between both boxes. You will run the three conductor wire from the box you just ran. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. Feed power wire thru either one of the boxes. Hook the curled end of the wire under the screw then tighten down the screw to hold the wire firmly in place. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together.
Refer to the above 3 way switch diagram. Connect the ground wire to the green screw. Its likely youll also need to replace the. Should be your two conductor. Regardless of what 3 way switch wiring diagram youre following youll need to use a 3 wire cable to connect the two 3 way light. Once your boxes are in place you can start the process of installing and wiring the switches themselves.
Run power wire into one of the boxes. Secure the white wire to the second wire with the same. Turn off the correct circuit at your electrical panel. Add an electrical box for the second 3 way switch in the basement.