3 way switch diagrams how to#
3 way switch diagrams full size#

Here's a 3-way wiring diagram I made back in the 1990s on a very crude version of Microsoft Publishing software. The black feed wire that goes to the light fixture is connected to the single black screw on the other 3-way switch. The line wire is the one that is hot all the time. It's important to realize you must put the line wire on the single black screw on the one 3-way switch. That's the best part.Ĭonnecting the traveler wires is caveman simple and idiot-proof. It makes no difference what wire goes on what screw at each switch. Watch the video above to see how easy it is to connect them. The traveler wires go on the brass screws. Black (Live or Hot Wire) Green (Ground Wire) White (Neutral or Common Wire) Red (Terminal Wire) Two. And this is what you will need for 3-way switch wiring: Wires. They often call the other black wire that goes from the other 3-way switch to the light fixture the load wire as the light bulb(s) are the actual load or thing that's using the electricity. Before we get to wiring diagrams, here is how the 3-way switch terminals are color-coded: Green for Ground Terminal. The black screw on a 3-way switch diagram is for the continuous hot wire that comes from the circuit panel or for the feed wire that runs up to the light fixture.Įlectricians call the continuous hot wire the line wire. What is the Black Screw For on a 3-Way Switch Diagram? The diagram below is based on the video you watched above. From this diagram, you can see that the wiring from the rose is much.

3 way switch diagrams how to#

Then watch the longer video below to see how to connect all the wires.ģ Way Switch Wiring Video What is a 3 Way Switch Wiring Diagram?Ī 3-way switch wiring diagram is a simple drawing showing how to connect the wires to each of the four screws on the 3-way switch. Two way light switching (3 wire system, new harmonised cable colours) showing switch. Watch this very short 11-second video to see exactly WHAT a 3-Way switch is. 14/3 with ground or 12/3 with ground wire best to use between switches.continuous hot and light feed wire goes on black screw.The most important screw is the black one.' 3 Way Switch Diagram TIPS 'A 3-way switch has three screws plus the green grounding screw. light bulb) needs to be controlled from two different locations with an additional feature of outlet receptacle. It can be used for 120V and 240V circuits where a load point (e.g.

3 way switch diagrams full size#

Click diagram image to open/view full size version. A Three-Way combo device with an outlet is actually the combination of a grounded outlet and a 3-way switch in a single unit (such as Leviton 5245, 5241, 5641 etc.). 3-way switch diagram requires you to look for this all-important black screw. Basic guitar wiring diagram with 2 humbuckers, 3-way toggle switch, one volume and one tone control.