Red and blue wires link traveler terminals of both switches. In this article we will solve the mystery of three way switches.
Can You Hook Up A Dimmer Switch To A Light That Is Controlled
How a three way switch works. Turning the light off from another switch. In this diagram power enters the fixture box. Most normal household applications use 12 or 14 gauge cable. Whenever you flip either one of the switches the light changes its state if it is on it turns off and if it is off it turns on. In a hallway or large room for example installing three way switches at both ends lets you turn the light fixture on or off from both locations. Here are the basics of a 3 way switch.
The person who entered and. The black and white wires are insulated while a bare third wire acts as the grounding wire for the circuit. This 3 way light switch wiring diagram shows how to do the light switch wiring and the light when the power is coming to the light fixture. For example a long hallway or stairway might use a pair of three way switches at each end so that lights can be turned on when approaching one end of the hall or stairway then shut off from the other end. If you have ever wondered how this arrangement works and how each switch knows what the other switch is doing then read on. Three way and four way switches how they work step 1.
A three way light switch is different than a traditional single pole light switch as it contains an extra screw to connect an extra wire. In this graphic someone has entered a room and flipped the switch at the right of the. This cable consists of an outer plastic sheath white in this picture with three wires inside. The light comes on. Most common is the single pole switch the type used to control a light fixture from a single location. When both switches are down the circuit is complete bottom right.
The switches must create a complete circuit for current to flow and the bulb to light. This is known as the common screw and its usually black instead of brass or silver. Let us assume this is a large room. Two brass terminals for traveler wires one black terminal for the common wire. The next most common is the three way switch which is commonly used to control a light fixture from two different locations. When both switches are up the circuit is complete top right.
The black hot wire connects to the far right switchs common terminal. Another dead giveaway of a three way switch is the absence of on and off markings. A three way wall switch is a common type of light switch that makes it possible to control a ceiling light or other electrical fixture from two different locations in a room.
Gallery of How A Three Way Switch Works
