3-Way-Switch Wiring Diagrams

• 4-Way Switch Diagrams
• Wiring a Ceiling Fan/Light
• Wiring Receptacles
• Wiring Switches

A 3 way switch allows for controlling a light fixture from two locations. These are usually used at the top and bottom of a flight of stairs or at two different entrances to a room. Below are three options for wiring a three way switch depending on the location of the light fixture and switches in relationship to the electricity source. For more about 3 way switch circuits see below.

Another option for controlling a fixture from three or more locations is to use a 4 way switch between two 3 way switches. A wiring diagram for a 4 way switch circuit is shown on this page.

3 way switch wiring diagrams with the electricity source before the light fixture and the two switches after.

3 way switch wiring diagrams with the electricity source at the first switch and a light fixture between the two switches.

3 way switch wiring diagrams with the electricity source at the first switch and a light fixture at the end of the circuit.

About 3 Way Switch Circuits

Modern three way switches have 3 terminals to carry circuit electricity and one terminal for a ground wire. Older 3 way switches will not have a ground terminal. Of the three circuit terminals on the switch, one is called the common and the other two are known as travelers. The common terminal is usually black and the travelers are silver. The ground terminal will usually be green. In any case the common terminal will always be a different color than the traveler terminals to distinquish them. Depending on the manufacturer, the common terminal may be on the opposite side of the switch from the two travelers or the two travelers may be on opposing sides. Included here are diagrams for both types of switches.

All these diagrams have been tested in real life circuits but because of variable factors in existing wiring the examples displayed here may not work in every instance. To avoid problems make sure the hot wire from the source is connect to the common on one of the 3 way switches and the hot wire to the fixture is connected to the common terminal on the other switch. If after wiring, you experience problems with the circuit, switching the traveler wires on one of the switches will most likely resolve the issue. To connect the circuit use 14/3 cable between the switches and 14/2 cable to the light fixture in these diagrams. To avoid confusion the white wire should be marked with black electrical tape when splicing it to carry current between the switches.