How To Run Wire For 3 Way Switch

With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.

How to run wire for 3 way switch. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. A 3 way switch will not have the words on or off written on it. First run a 2 wire cable from the wall power to the black screw on 1 of the switches. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.

You ll also need a wire stripper 14 3 or 12 3 cable match existing wire gauge two three way switches and two remodeling boxes. Looked at an existing home brother in laws and found that the 3 way switch in the dining room only has 2 wire running from 3 way to 3 way. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. End of run lights controlled by two three way switches these end of run lights are controlled by two three way switches with a two wire cable power source coming through the first three way switch.

To wire a 3 way light switch you ll need 2 3 way light switches 2 2 wire non metallic cables 1 3 wire non metallic cable and 2 6 inch grounding wires. Replace any regular switches with the 3 way switches. I have always seen 3 wire to carry current over the travelers between switches then to the fixture on the common. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be.

Now the actual wiring. The existing 2 wire black and white romex can still be used to connect a 3 way switch 2 and the light fixture. If your 3 way light switch 2 is connected between the power supply and the light fixture as is most common. Have not found where the switched leg is being picked up for the receptacles in the room.

In order to wire three way switch properly you will need to use one of the diagrams that we will post below and which one you use depends on whether electricity will be coming into your light fixture first into the light switch first or light will be in between switches. Wiring a 3 way light switch. 3 way switch wiring diagram. 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.

Tip the white or neutral wire goes completely through the connection system with pigtail connections at both switches and the first light box.