Probably one of the most confusing wiring scenarios for most DIYers is wiring a 3-way switch. The following article and detailed wiring diagram will hopefully clear up any confusion you might have about proper procedures for wiring that 3-way switch.
What Exactly is a 3-Way Switch?
The 3-way circuit is a very common system found within most residential installations. 3-way switches are used any time that you want two switches to operate one light (or lights). The best example of this would be at either end of a long hallway, or at the top and bottom of a stairwell.
At a glance, 3-way switches look the same as the common single pole switch, but instead of having only two screws on which to make your connections, they have two connections on one side, and one on the other.
One of the three terminals is “identified” (by using a different color) and is usually the bottom screw on the side with two screws. It is referred to as the “common” terminal, and the other two are known as “travelers”. This is because the electrical connection either goes from the common screw, to one or the other travelers, depending on the switch position.
How to Wire a Basic 3-Way Switch
There are several ways to wire up a 3-way circuit, and it would be very difficult to cover them all.
I will touch on one of the most common and easy to follow methods. Follow the instructions below to wire your basic 3-way switch.
Step One:
Bring the power supply in to one of the switch boxes (one hot, and one neutral), on a #14/2-wire cable.
Step Two:
Then, run a #14/3-wire to the other switch location.
Step Three:
From the second switch, run a #14/2-wire up to the light box.
Step Four:
In the first box, splice the neutral (white) wire from the power supply to the white wire in the 3-wire cable going to the other switch.
Step Five:
Attach the hot (black) wire to the common screw on the 3-way switch.
Step Six:
The red and the black conductor from the #14/3 cable will be called the “travellers”, and will hook up to the two remaining screws on the switch.
Step Seven:
At the other switch location, you will hook the white wire from the #14/3 to the white wire going up to the light.
Step Eight:
The “travelers” (black and red) from the #14/3 will connect to the same screws as on the other 3-way switch, and the black wire going to the light will tie on to the “common” screw.
Different 3-Way Wiring Configurations
There are a number of different 3-way wiring configurations that you may come across and need to know how to wire. You can review a number of these in the ‘Wiring Diagrams‘ portion of the website (click here to access).
Are there still questions that you need answered about 3-way switches? Feel free to ask your question below or check out my Facebook page and ask there. You can also subscribe to my YouTube Channel and check out the many free videos covering a number of different DIY wiring topics, including many instructing you on 3-way switches.
For a really good explanation of the differences between a single-pole standard switch and a 3-way switch, check out this video where I provide a great visual demonstration.
Do You Have the DIY Skills to Wire That 3-Way Switch?
The wiring of a 3-way switch is something most DIYers are capable of doing. However, if you’re not sure that your understanding of working around electricity and DIY skills have prepared you for installing that switch or any other home wiring project, here’s a great resource to bring your skill levels up to speed.
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