So what you should see if you have correct 3 wire electrical cable romex is a black power white neutral and now a 3rd red wire. Between each three way switch is a pair of travelers that are connected to the common terminals.
3 Way Switch Wiring Diagram
Three way switch connection. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. 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. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. The black screw is the common which we identified in the steps above as the switch leg or hot power source. You will see a black screw and two gold screws on the switch.
The whole wiring a light switch project can be completed in a few hours if you dont have to do any drywall removal and repair. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. There are no onoff markings on the switch toggle. 3 way switch wiring diagram. With conventional wiring the common wire from one switch connects to line the common wire from the other switch connects to the load lights. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be.
All of the switches shown below are 3 way. 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 switches. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. There are two clear giveaways that identify a switch as being a three way type. Such markings are not needed with this type of switch as they are. Take your three way switch.
3 way switches have three terminals one common usually black color and one pair of travelers usually brass color. First bend hook in the ground wire wrap around the green screw. Keep reading and learn how to wire a light switch. 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. On one of the 3 way switches a line or hot wire gets connected to the copper or black screw terminal.
Gallery of Three Way Switch Connection
