Three Way Light Wiring Diagram

Below is a simple schematic diagram that can be applied to all three way electrical light switch connections.
Three way light wiring diagram. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. Three way switches allow for controlling a light fixture from two separate locations these are usually used at the top and bottom of a flight of stairs or at two different entrances to a room. Connect the line brown wire coming from the light together with the 3 core earth cable black wire in to the l1 terminal of the two way switch. Here s how to wire a three way switch with easy tips from the family handyman.
This is the 3 wire cable which you must have to wire a 3 way light switch. 3 way switch wiring diagram line to light fixtureline voltage enters the light fixture outlet box. With a pair of 3 way switches either switch can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram.
The exact cable you use depends on the gauge of the existing wiring in the rest of the circuit but in most cases the correct cable will be either 12 3 or 14 3. This cable consists of three cores brown grey and black which are all line colours and an earth wire. This video shows how to wire a three way lighting circuit this means that you can have three separate switches for example one in the hall way one on the landing and one at the top of the stairs. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.
For a 4 way light circuit to work you need two 3 way switches and at least one 4 way switch. Wiring a 3 way light switch. Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram. 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.
Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. Three wire cable runs between the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Wiring a three way switch happens with the use of the 3 core earth cable.
Two very old three way switches are depicted in the photo above. Wiring diagram 3 way switch with light at the end. On this page are several wiring diagrams that can be used to map 3 way lighting circuits depending on the location of the source in relation to the switches and lights. This is only a wiring schematic and not the actual wiring method used for 3 way switch installations.