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3 Way Switch Diagram

By Dave Rongey ©2007-2012
Licensed Electrical Contractor+

Summary: 3 Way Switch Diagrams Fully Explained. Detailed Electrical Wiring Diagrams and Pictures assist your Home Electrical Projects.

Easy to Understand 3 Way Switch Diagrams
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.

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.

Take the Mystery out of Wiring 3-Way Switches with my New eBook!
Ask-The-Electrician 3-Way Switch Wiring 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 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
	Diagram #1 shows the electricity source starting at the left 3-way switch. more about: 3-way-switch-diagrams

	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

	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