Three Way Light Switch Wiring Diagram

Wiring of 3 way light switches 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.

Three way light switch wiring diagram.
Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram.
No longer allowed after 2011 nec if no neutral wire in switch boxes 3 way switch wiring diagram light fixture between switchesline voltage enters the first 3 way switch outlet box light fixture is located between switch boxesno longer allowed after 2011 nec if no neutral wire in switch boxes.
Assortment of wiring diagram 3 way switch ceiling fan and light.

With a pair of 3 way switches either switch can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.
Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram.
A wiring diagram is a streamlined conventional photographic depiction of an electrical circuit.

It shows the elements of the circuit as streamlined forms and also the power and also signal connections in between the devices.
Although a 3 way is one of the hardest electrical circuits to figure out its also one of the most useful.
The ground wire goes through both switch boxes and the ceiling light box and it is connected at all junctions except the light with a pigtail short piece of wire and wire connector.

This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be.
Wiring a three way light switch.
In this diagram the electrical source is at the first switch and the light is located at the end of the circuit.

Wiring diagram 3 way switch with light at the end.
The methods shown here are some of the safest and most versatile though not the only options.
The black and red wires between sw1 and sw2 are connected to the traveler terminals.

3 way switch wiring diagram line to light fixtureline voltage enters the light fixture outlet box.
Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch.
Be sure to mark the white wire as noted so if any future repairs or replacement is needed whoever goes into the box will know it is marked as a hot wire.

A 3 way light switch allows you to control a light source from two separate points.
Three wire cable runs between the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light.
Two three way switches control one light with the electric power coming through the first switch flowing to the second switch and then to the light fixture.

Wiring a 3 way switch with the power coming in through the light and flowing to the switches.