Ace 3 Way Wiring Schematic
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.
3 way wiring schematic. A three way switch wiring diagram. Here i recall many of my jobs experiences and handy tips with the hope that you can gain from what i have learned. I m john and i ve worked as an electrician for over 40 years.
Wiring diagrams for 3 way switches 3 way switch diagram 2 above shows the electricity source starting at the fixture. This is the 3 wire cable which you must have to wire a 3 way light switch. The black hot wire connects to the far right switch s common terminal.
The black and red wires between sw1 and sw2 are connected to the traveler terminals. 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. Wiring diagram 3 way switch with light at the end in this diagram the electrical source is at the first switch and the light is located at the end of the circuit.
Wiring of 3 way light switches is certainly more complicated than that of the more common single pole switch so follow our. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. 3 way switch wiring diagram depicting all wires in the ceiling junction box.
Three wire cable runs between the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light. The white wire becomes the energized switch leg as indicated by using black or red electrical tape. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together.
Red and blue wires link traveler terminals of both switches. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. By correctly connecting two of these switches together toggling either switch changes the state of the load from off to on or vice versa.