Switches | Outlets & Plugs | Ballasts | Replace Ballasts | LED Tube Lights | Troubleshooting | Basic Electricity | Misc Articles
About Privacy Policy Sitemap Copyright © 2024 Electrical101.com Terms of Use
3-Way Switch Wiring Variation
3-Way Switch Variation Wiring Diagrams, NM Cable
3-Way Switch Wire Colors
There is no standard for wire colors on 3-
3-Way Switch Wiring Variation Diagrams
In the first two diagrams below, the white wire (neutral) from the panel connects to the neutral of the light fixture in the light fixture outlet box.
The black wire from the panel connects to the white wire on the NM cable that goes to the first 3-
The hot side of the light fixture connects to the switched black wire on the NM cable that goes to the first switch box.
The common terminals from each switch are connected together.
One traveler from each switch is connected together and to line voltage.
The other travelers from each switch are connected together and to the load(s).
Diagrams shown on this page are simplified for clarity. Electrical outlet boxes can have numerous NM cables going in and out. See Actual Switch Box Wiring. Ground connection diagram is shown separately.
Line enters light fixture outlet box, then to right 3-
Line enters light fixture outlet box, then to left 3-
Line and light fixture connects to the left switch outlet box
Line and light fixture connects to right switch outlet box
Placing Black Tape on the White Wire of NM Cable
In a lighting circuit a 2-
Line is usually connected to the white wire, and black electrical tape is wrapped around it. Black tape is also wrapped around the white wires of other NM cables that connect to it.
The black wire on this cable is usually used as a switched hot for the lights.
3-
