This story features diagrams that show how to wire 3 way switches. You can do the work with the proper tools materials and electrical circuit knowledge.
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Wiring a light switch with 12 3 wire. Feed a length of 14 3 type nm cable or 12 3 if youre. This is the 3 wire cable which you must have to wire a 3 way light switch. Wire strippers utility knife needle nose pliers and. Either way complete these five steps for 3 way light switch wiring. Three wire supply cables generally carry red and black hot wires of 110 to 120 volts each with a single white neutral wire. The red and black are used for hot and the white neutral wire at the switch box allows for powering a timer remote control or other programmable switch.
The method used to install the new wiring will depend on the wall structure and location in the home. Fully explained light switch wiring diagrams. This shows wiring a light switch when the power comes into the light outlet first. Hiring a qualified electrician will ensure that the installation is performed correctly where the existing circuit wires will be identified and new circuit wiring will be extended to the new light switch and then out to the new light fixture. Wiring a light switch diagram 1. The exact cable you use depends on the gauge of the existing wiring in the rest of the circuit but in most cases the correct cable will be either 12 3 or 14 3.
Connecting a two wire light fixture to a three wire power supply cable is not an ordinary occurrence. Wiring a single pole light switch. How to wire a one way lighting circuit in this tutorial i show how to wire a one way light switch i show how a 1 way and 2 way light switch works i explain how to wire a ceiling rose how to. The wiring is more complicated than a traditional single pole switch but well explain how to make the connections. Electrical wire for the home. Its likely youll also need to replace the.
The video covers how to wire a basic 15 amp single pole light switch with 142 electrical wire. Be sure to get your copy of my big new ebook. Guide to residential electric wire. Turn off the correct circuit at your electrical panel. Detailed electrical wiring diagrams and pictures assist your home electrical projects. Here a single pole switch controls the power to a light fixture.
The task of installing additional wiring for a light switch and new light fixture will depend on available access to the proposed location. Wiring a 3 way light switch is certainly more. Complete guide to. How to wire a light switch. In the tutorial viewers will see the use of. The old method of a 2 wire drop is explained along with the current code requirements of using a 3 wire cable.
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines. Once youre done youll be able to control a light from two switches. The source is at the switch and 2 wire cable runs from there to the light. Add an electrical box for the second three way switch in the basement. Because the electrical code as of the 2011 nec update requires a neutral wire in most new switch boxes a 3 wire cable runs between the light and switch. The lighting could be added to the three wire cable provided that the circuit breaker is no more than 15 amps and the wire size is no greater than 14 gauge.
Make the connections for 3 way switches.