Three Way Light Switch Circuit

A 3 way light switch allows you to control a light source from two separate points.

Three way light switch circuit.

This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. 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. Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch.

There are several ways to install a 3 way light switch. In the ceiling light fixture electrical box one black wire from a 3 way switch gets connected to the black load wire on the light fixture. So what you should see if you have correct 3 wire electrical cable romex is a black power white neutral and now a 3rd red wire. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram.

Run new cable romex between the 3 way switches. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. 3 way switch wiring diagram depicting all wires in the ceiling junction box. Although a 3 way is one of the hardest electrical circuits to figure out it s also one of the most useful.

In the above 3 way switch wiring diagram at each switch the black wire gets connected to the copper or black screw. Regardless of what 3 way switch wiring diagram you re following you ll need to use a 3 wire cable to connect the two 3 way light switches. 3 way switch wiring diagram line to light fixtureline voltage enters the light fixture outlet box. 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 boxes no longer allowed after 2011 nec if no neutral wire in switch boxes.