Wiring A 3 Way Light Switch

Here s how to wire a three way switch with easy tips from the family handyman.

Wiring a 3 way light switch. 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. 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. Two 3 way switches are required in any 3 way application. A 3 way wall switch controls a common light or set of lights from two separate switch locations.

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. Wiring a 3 way light switch. 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. This guide highlights the procedures for replacing a broken 3 way electrical switch.

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.