Do-it-Yourself Electrical Wiring Articles | Electrical Wiring Diagrams | Electrical Questions and Answers | Electrical Questions Blog

Easy to Understand 3 Way Switch Diagrams

wiring-a-3-way-switch Summary: 3 Way Switch Diagrams Fully Explained. Detailed Electrical Wiring Diagrams and Pictures assist your Home Electrical Projects.

Understand Three Way Switch Wiring for Home Electrical Lighting Applications

The Key to Three Way Switch Wiring
The Power Feed and the Switch Leg leading to the fixture(s) typically, one at each switch location, are attached to the screw terminal found at one end of the switch by itself. This terminal is usually identified by a darker colored screw.

The pair of screw terminals at the opposite end of the switch are for the pair of wires known as "travelers", (also known as "jockeys").

The "travelers" actually pass the electricity between the two 3-way switches, as well as the 4-way switches, shown in the 4-way switching wiring diagrams.


Take the Mystery out of Wiring 3-Way Switches
with my New eBook!

Ask-The-Electrician
3-Way Switch Wiring Diagrams

3-way-switch-diagrams

Easy To Understand
Fully Illustrated and Documented
Eight 3 Way Switches Diagram Variations
[see more]
First my easy to understand chart
helps to identify the 3-way switch
system for the application:  
3-way-switch-wiring-chart




3-Way Switching

Please Note: To illustrate the wiring of these 3-way switches, Switch Boxes and Fixture Boxes are not shown but are obviously required for every application. These diagrams are shown as using the Romex wiring method. See more about: 3-way-switch-diagrams

3-Way Switching provides switching from two locations

 
3-way-switch-diagram-1  Diagram #1 shows the electricity source starting at the left 3-way switch.

more about: 3-way-switch-diagrams  
   
3-way-switch-diagram-2  3-way switch diagram #2 shows the electricity source starting at the fixture.
The white wire of the romex going to the switch is attached to the black line in the fixture box using a wire nut.
The white wire becomes the energized switch leg, as indicated by using black or red electrical tape. 

more about: 3-way-switch-diagrams
   
3-way-switch-diagram-3  Diagram #3 shows the electricity source starting at the right 3-way switch box,
the same that has the romex wire going to the fixture. 

more about: 3-way-switch-diagrams
   
   
Romex Cable Contains a Ground Conductor

The ground conductor is required for all applications as well.

The ground conductors are always bonded together to insure the integrity of the ground path.

If you are using metal boxes, the ground conductor must be attached to each box by using a threaded ground screw or provided attachment.

The frames of the switches which have a ground screw are to be attached to the ground conductor as required.
<<- Wiring a Light Switch How to Wire a 3-Way Dimmer Switch->>
-
Three Way Switch Wiring Top of Page -
electrical-books

ask-an-electrician

installing-a-ceiling-fan
NEC® and National Electrical Code® are registered trade marks of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
CE® and Canadian Electrical Code® CSA C22.1 are registered trade marks of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
Part P® - Electrical Safety© is registered Crown Copyright of the UK Government Planning Department for Communities
©Copyright 2007 - 2010 Ask-The-Electrician