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