With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.
Three way light switch schematic.
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.
With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.
Two very old three way switches.
Below is a simple 3 way schematic that can be applied to all three way electrical light switch connections.
This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be.
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.
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.
3 way switch schematic wiring diagram.
Two very old three way switches are depicted in the photo above.
This is only a wiring schematic and not the actual wiring method used for 3 way switch installations.
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.
Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram.
Wiring a 3 way light switch.
Regardless of what 3 way switch wiring diagram you re following you ll need to use a 3 wire cable to connect the two 3 way light switches.
Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch.