January 7, 2012 By Dave Rongey ©2007-2012Author - Licensed Electrical Contractor Filed under 3-Way Switches

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The Key to Wiring Three Way Switches

Understanding How to Wire Three Way Switches

• However, the outside light will not work unless the inside lights (on the 3 way is on) – either of the 3 way switches can be on, as long as the lights are on.
  • Questions, is this standard?
  •  And, should there be a way inside the box to change the wiring to allow the light switches to work independently of each other.
  • I have 4 sets of wires coming in or going out of the box. ( I would think 1 to the other 3 way, a second to the outside light, third would be power, and 4th may go to the inside lights.)

Thanks.

This electrical question came from: Tom, a Homeowner from Butler, Pennsylvania.
See more about Home Wiring for Pennsylvania

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Tom.

• Wiring Three Way Switches

• There are several 3-way switch wiring scenarios that are possible however, the existing switch wring must be identified so that the right three way switch wiring configuration can be made in order for the 3-way switches to work correctly.

• The Key to Three Way Light Switch Wiring

• The key to three way switching is to identify where the power enters, and where the feed goes to the light fixture.
• The Following links will assist you with Three Way Switches
  
• How to Wire a Switch

• Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1

• Wiring Diagrams
• Fully Explained Light Switch Wiring Diagrams. Detailed Electrical Wiring Diagrams and Pictures assist your Home Electrical Projects.
• Lighting For The Home
• Lighting Electrical Codes
• For more information about 220 Volt Wiring Diagram
• 3 Way Switch Diagram

• 3 Way Switch Diagram

• In response to the requests for this information, I have developed a comprehensive,step-by-step guide designed to walk you through the identification and wiring of your 3-way switches.