That destination might be either the light fixture itself or the other switch, where it will be forwarded to the light fixture. The darker-colored terminal is called the “common terminal.” The common terminal is the switch component that sends power from the source to its destination. However, a 3-way switch has three screw terminals (and the ground). How 3-Way Switch Wiring WorksĪ 2-way switch has its two screw terminals (and the ground wire) so that it can flip on or off a single light fixture. In all of these applications, either one of the 3-way switches in the circuit can complete or sever the connection. Some rooms have two or more entryways located far apart from each other. A common example is a 3-way switch at both ends of a staircase. Types of Connections for 3-Way Switch Wiringģ-way switches are good for when you need to wire a light fixture that has controls in different locations.Always turn off the power source before performing any electrical work. Don’t attempt to work on electrical wiring if you don’t have any training. Safety note: electrical wiring can be dangerous and may cause serious injury if performed improperly. Let’s talk about 3-way switch wiring, how it works, and how to perform a simple installation. After all, each wire serves an important purpose in a three-way configuration, and there’s a different wiring diagram depending on where the power enters the circuit. It’s handy to have a guide you can look to when the right three-way setup slips your mind, particularly if it’s an installation you haven’t performed very much in the past. After all, there’s another whole way! OK, corny commentary aside, 3-way switch wiring is useful for a number of applications, but it’s not always easy to remember the three-way wire orientation. If the power source is an electrical panel or fuse box, the cable should be cut at least long enough to reach the furthest termination point (breaker or fuse, ground and neutral bar) without the need of splicing.3-way switch wiring isn’t the most complicated electrical job in the world, but it’s not quite as simple as a 2-way switch.Never introduce ground wire(s) to a terminal bar with only white or gray insulated wires connected or vice versa.However, if all the existing ground wires connect to one bar and all the existing white wires connect to a different bar, maintaining separate ground and neutral connections is required. If equipped with a separate ground bar, rather than connecting to the neutral terminal bar, the ground wire can connect to the ground terminal bar.Finally, connect the black wire to the hot supply or the circuit breaker / fuse and the white to the neutral supply or neutral terminal bar in the electrical panel. The ground wire should be connected to the neutral terminal bar. Connect the ground wire to the circuit ground wire(s) with a wire nut or other approved connection (see How to Connect Electrical Wire). Leave 8–10 inches (20.3–25.4 cm) of wire inside both boxes (source and first switch) before cutting the cable to facilitate easy connection to the switch and power source. Install a 2 wire cable between the power source (outlet box, electric panel, etc) and the first switch box.
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