Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram.
Three way light switch schematic.
This 3 way light switch diagram shows connections when the power comes into the first switch on to the second switch and then on to two or more lights switched by the 3 way circuit.
This is only a wiring schematic and not the actual wiring method used for 3 way switch installations.
Wiring a 3 way light switch.
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 line to light fixtureline voltage enters the light fixture outlet box.
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.
No longer allowed after 2011 nec if no neutral wire in switch boxes 3 way switch wiring diagram light fixture between switchesline voltage enters the first 3 way switch outlet box light fixture is located between switch boxes no longer allowed after 2011 nec if no neutral wire in switch boxes.
Two very old three way switches are depicted in the photo above.
3 way switch schematic wiring diagram.
With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.
With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.
Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram.
Below is a simple 3 way schematic that can be applied to all three way electrical light switch connections.
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.
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.