![]() ![]() You can also download a PDF file for printing ( schematics & wiring). If power takes the usual route (light switch first), you can use the following diagrams for reference:Ĭlick on the image to enlarge it. Power at the 3-way switch (multiple lights). Electricity source and light are in between switches.Ĭase #1.Electricity source and light are connected to the same 3-way switch.The electricity source is connected to the light fixture first.The electricity source is connected to the 3-way switch first.In order to wire the 3-way switch properly, you will need to use one of the diagrams (that I will post below), and which one you use depends entirely on your need. This wire is connected to the main energy source and its destination is the black terminal (or a screw) of the 3-way switch.ģ-way switch wiring diagrams for multiple lights The third wire is connected between one of the traveler terminals of the two 3-way switches. The second wire is connected to the common terminal (or black screw) of the second 3-way switch and its destination is the corresponding terminal of the bulb (black). ![]() The first wire is connected to the main energy source and its destination is the common terminal (or the black screw) of one of the 3-way switches. There are three types of black wires coming from the 3-way switches (when wiring multiple lights). The white wire that comes from the switch cable needs to be connected directly to the white wire of the common cable (and then goes all the way to the appropriate terminal of the bulb). The purpose of this wire is to send electricity directly to the light bulb. Very often this is a bare copper wire that attaches to the green screw (or terminal) of the switch. Green wire or bare copper wire (ground wire).Here is a good non-contact voltage tester (paid link) for you from Fluke on Amazon. These terminals are interchangeable, and designed for traveler wires (red and black wire from a common cable between two switches). Traveler terminals (brass screws) – 2pc.This terminal is designed for connecting a hot (black) wire which is coming from your circuit breaker panel. Common terminal (dark or black screw) – 1pc.This terminal is meant for the ground wire, which is usually green or uninsulated plain copper. This part of the switch is not insulated and is connected directly to the metal framework. There are 4 terminals (screws) on each switch (see photo above), but some older versions of switches may come without the ground terminal. If you don’t feel like you are competent at what you are doing, you must consult a professional. ** Second warning! Working with electricity is dangerous and can be fatal if not done properly. ** Warning! Do not start doing anything until you make sure that no power is going through the wires! Turn the power OFF by flipping the appropriate circuit breaker and double-check it with a non-contact voltage tester. If your circuit breaker is 20 amps, you will need a 12-gauge wire (12-3) and if you have a 15 amp circuit (like most homes), you will need a 14 gauge wire (14-3). Materials for installing 3-way switches include: Three-way switches are not expensive and could be UL-listed as this one (paid link). Here is an example of a 2-way switch, which is not what you are looking for (notice the “ON” written on it):įor this project, you will need a 3-way switch with no labels and it should have a “common terminal”: The reason for this is that you don’t really know where will be “ON” and where will be “OFF” since it allows you to turn lights “ON” in one place and turn them “OFF” in another. The main difference between 2-way and 3-way switches is that the three-way switch will have no “ON” and “OFF” markings. This is where diagrams come in handy and I will include them below along with step-by-step wiring instructions in the video format.įirst things first and you need to make sure you’ve got the actual “3-way switch” in your hands! Wiring 3-way switches is not complicated, but making sure you are connecting the right wires, could be a little tricky. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE READ MY EARNINGS DISCLAIMER. THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT WILL REWARD ME MONETARILY OR OTHERWISE WHEN YOU USE THEM TO MAKE QUALIFYING PURCHASES. How To Wire A 3 Way Switch With Multiple Lights DISCLAIMER: AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES. ![]()
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