Now discussing 3 way light switch wiring diagram as also discussed above the color codes of the wires as having three insulated conductors as black as hot red as switch wire or called traveler and white as common wire as also shown when light is connected to both black and white wires. Also called a california 3 way.
California 3 Way Wiring Diagram H1 Wiring Diagram
California 3 way switch diagram. Conventional 3 way wiring is not very complexwith conventional wiring the line line voltage connects to the common of one switch. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. Wires consisting of a line a load a neutral a pair of travelers and two 3 way switches. The 2 diagrams below shows a 4 way added into the traveler wires and yet the light stays on even after the 4 way switch is flipped. Three wire cable runs between the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light. The alternate 3 way switch wiring configuration california or west coast was used as a way to wire 3 way switches and be able to supply line voltage to either switchthis configuration is no longer allowed as the neutral is not present in each switch box.
If you are trying to troubleshoot a 3 way switch operation then you will need to identify the function of each wire. The black and red wires between sw1 and sw2 are connected to the traveler terminals. All three way switch and 2 way switch wiring diagrams have the same basic components. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. If you are about to pull the wiring for a 3 way switch and you just want a basic method then use this most simple 3way switch wiring method s3 method 1. Best blog explaining 3 ways with wiring diagrams photos and 10 different 3 way switch wiring methods used in buildings throughout the us 120 volt.
All photos and diagrams may be copied for classroom instruction or personal use. Many variations of this basic theme are possible. 3 way switch wiring diagram. As you can see this picture corresponds to the diagram for the basic 3 way switch system above. 3 way switch wiring diagram with power feed via light. For instance the 3 way switch schemes a b c above will allow a 4 way switch and box or any number of them to be interposed between the 3 way switch boxes.
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. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch.
Gallery of California 3 Way Switch Diagram
