How do I wire a 3 way light switch?

How do I wire a 3 way light switch?

The black wire connects to a taped white wire that passes through the first switch box and connects to the common terminal on the second switch. Red and black travelers then connect the paired traveler terminals on both switches. Three-way switch wiring where power goes directly to the light.

Does it matter which wire goes where on a 3 way light switch?

It makes no difference which traveler wire goes to which traveler terminal on the switch; the traveler terminals are interchangeable. Note that the terminal wires also are considered “hot” because they carry power when the switches are on.

What color wires go on a 3 way switch?

3-Way Switch Wire Colors There is no standard for wire colors on 3-way switch travelers. The colors will vary depending on whether NM cable or conduit was used. With NM cable, the wire colors for travelers will be black and red using 3-wire cable. With conduit, the wire colors for travelers could be any color.

What color wire goes to the black screw on a 3 way switch?

Black screw terminal: The black (or darkest in color) screw attaches to the black common wire from the 14/2 cable. The terminal may be labeled COM. Green screw terminal: The green screw is the ground terminal. Two ground wires will be found in both switch boxes, one from the 14/2 cable and one from the 14/3 cable.

Is the red wire common in a 3 way switch?

Red, Black, and White are the colors of switch wiring for three-ways. Red and Black are connected to the switches if the White is used for neutral. The White is often referred to as Common, but the colored wires are also used as hot wires.

What are the terminals on a 3-way switch?

A 3-way switch is larger than a single pole switch and has three screw terminals for wiring connections, plus a ground. Two of these take traveler wires that go from one switch to the other. For the third terminal, one switch is connected to the hot supply wire while the other switch is joined to the light.

Where does red wire go on 3-way switch?

The black hot wire connects to the far right switch’s common terminal. Red and blue wires link traveler terminals of both switches. The red wire, which is connected to the first switch’s common terminal, leads back to the fixture.

What color is the common wire?

The Blue or C Wire Blue wires are also called C wires because they are the Common wire.

What happens if you wire 3 way switch wrong?

If you don’t correctly connect this wire, then your lights won’t work from more than one switch. Grounding the switch: You’ll also need to locate the ground wire and connect it to the switch too. This wire is essential as it prevents stray currents from electrocuting surrounding possessions, and family members.