Wire light switch how to#
Wire light switch install#
Wire light switch free#

Wire light switch install#

Will install a light fixture, and two switches.

Wire light switch how to#

We’ll show how to wire a 3-way switch with both switches wired before the light. 3-Way Switch Example #2ĭepending on the layout of the space and where the wiring originates from, there are several versions of how the wiring can be done. In order to turn the light back on we have two options, we can flip switch #1 to the red traveler terminal so that it matches switch #2, or just flip back switch #2 to the black traveler terminal. The process of turning on and off the light can occur from either switch, as we show here we now flip switch #2 to break the electrical circuit and shut the light off. If we flip switch #1 to the black traveler wire then the light comes on as the electrical circuit has a complete path through both switches to the light. 3-Way Switch Wiring with switches in opposing positions If we follow the power from the source, the black common wire from the electrical panel connects to the common terminal on switch #2, then passes through the switch to the black traveler terminal and then onto switch #1 where it dead ends. When both switches are not in the same configuration, such as shown below we have one switches common connected to a black traveler and the other switch connected to a red traveler terminal. Inside is a single pole double throw switch which provides each switch with an option to connect the common terminal with either the red or black traveler terminal. If we remove the switch covers and look inside we can see how these 3-way light switches work. We also bring in the ground wire from the electrical panel and connect to each of the switches. We bring in the neutral wire from the power source and connect directly to the light. From the common terminal on switch #1 we connect to the light. We do the same thing for the Red traveler wire. Then we route the Black traveler wire for switch #2 to switch #1. The incoming electrical power will connect to the common terminal of switch #2. With this layout we have the light fixture between the two switches. The two traveler terminals can be on the same side of the switch or on opposite sides of the switch depending on the switch manufacturer. They can match with both on red or both on black, but not black/red or red/black.

When the two separate 2-way switches match on their traveler wires the light goes on, when they don’t match the light goes off. Its like the game of concentration where you turn over two playing cards trying to get them to match. Within the switch either one of the traveler terminals is connected to the common terminal, which can make or break the circuit depending on the position of the other switches traveler terminal matching or not. A 3-way switch won’t have an on/off designation that can be found on standard switches, as either position could be on or off. We have two traveler terminals, which are usually identified by their light color of bronze or copper, a ground terminal in green, and a common terminal often a dark color. If we look at a 3-way switch, we’ll see that it has four terminal screws. 3-Way Switch for Controlling a Light or Fan How do 3-Way Light Switches Work? Whenever working with electrical be sure to shutoff the power at the electrical panel, and hire a qualified electrician to do the installation if you are not confident that you can do the job safely. 3-Way Switch Wiring Explained Electrical Safety Warning

Wire light switch free#

To watch the FREE YouTube version of this presentation, scroll to the bottom or click on the following link. We’ll show several different wiring configurations. In this presentation we’ll learn how to control a light using a 3-way switch, which is convenient when there are two or more entrances to a room, or an upper and lower stairwell. Ground connection diagram is shown separately.3-Way Switch Wiring Explained. Electrical outlet boxes can have numerous NM cables going in and out. The white neutral wires are connected together in each switch box.ĭiagrams shown on this page are simplified for clarity. The common terminal of the second 3- way switch connects to the light fixture(s). Traveler wires are interchangeable on each switch. A 3- wire NM connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3- way switch together. The black (line) wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3- way switch. In the 1st diagram below, a 2- wire NM cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. In the 2nd diagram below, blue wires are used for travelers. With conduit, the wire colors for travelers could be any color. With NM cable, the wire colors for travelers will be black and red using 3- wire cable. The colors will vary depending on whether NM cable or conduit was used. There is no standard for wire colors on 3- way switch travelers.