3 Way Lighting Wiring Diagram

On this page are several wiring diagrams that can be used to map 3 way lighting circuits depending on the location of the source in relation to the switches and lights.
3 way lighting wiring diagram. Also included are diagrams for 3 way dimmers a 3 way ceiling fan switch and an arrangement for a switched outlet from two locations. Wiring a 3 way light switch. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.
Here we have a 3 way switching lighting circuit sometimes called two way switching with intermediate. Three way lighting circuit wiring the 3 way lighting circuit which is often referred to as the two way and intermediate lighting circuit is a common arrangement usually found in large houses. Earth wires are not shown. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.
The circuit consists of a two way switch at each end top and bottom switches in fig 2 and an intermediate switch in the middle. Two way switching 2 wires. Switches are shown as dotted rectangles. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram.
In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. Three way switching schematic wiring diagram. Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch.
If you are familiar with wiring a two way lighting circuit then the addition of an extra switching point will not be much of a problem. L and n indicate the supply. Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together.
Wiring a 3 way light switch is certainly more complicated than that of the more common single pole switch but you can figure it out if you follow our 3 way switch wiring diagram. The exact cable you use depends on the gauge of the existing wiring in the rest of the circuit but in most cases the correct cable will be either 12 3 or 14 3. This is the 3 wire cable which you must have to wire a 3 way light switch. These diagrams show various methods of one two and multiple way switching.