![]() ![]() The cable runs from the power source to the first switch box in the typical 3-way setup described here, but other wiring configurations also are possible (see below). It also contains a third, bare copper wire. Black common wire Wire CablesĪ 14/2 NM Cable contains two conductor wires: one black and one white. Here’s the 411 on the parts you’ll encounter when wiring a 3-way switch.ġ. When you pop off your light switch plate and peek inside-or examine a diagram of how 3-way switches work-you may wonder about the different colored wires, what the colors mean, what they’re supposed to connect to, and what to touch (and not touch). Houses built since the mid-1960s likely contain non-metallic sheathed cable (NM), commonly called Romex, after a popular brand of wire. Some homes may have 12-gauge wire rather than 14-gauge wire, which just means the wire is rated to carry more amps. Without a 14/3 wire, it wouldn’t be possible to have both switches control the light. The number of conductor wires in the different cables are important, because an extra wire is required in one section of the 3-way switch setup. The 14 stands for the gauge of wire (rated for 15-amp circuits) and the following number, 2 or 3, represents the number of conductor wires in the cable. Two different types of wire cables are used in wiring a standard 3-way switch, most often 14/2 cable and 14/3 cable. Types of Wire Cable Used in 3-Pole Switches In essence, a 3-way switch is a toggle switch. However, they are not labeled “OFF” or “ON,” because they either allow or stop the electrical current based on the other switch position in the setup. Individual 3-way switches resemble single-pole switches. A 3-way switch setup will even work with a dimmer switch, as long as the dimmer switch is designed for 3-way wiring. That’s just one instance in which 3-way switches (also known as 3-pole switches) are handy: These switches allow users to turn on a centrally located light from different sides of a room, or from the upper and lower ends of a stairway. It’s no fun to come home late at night and stumble to the other side of a dark room looking for the light switch. RELATED: Buyer’s Guide: The Best Voltage Testers What is 3-way switch wiring? Before you do anything else, always turn off the electricity at the breaker box, and use a voltage tester to test the wires in a switch box to make sure they’re not hot. ![]() Safety is always the top consideration when doing any wiring. If you’re not comfortable replacing a switch, call an electrician. If you’re contemplating such a replacement, you should have a working knowledge of switch wiring. Replacing a 3-way switch is a straightforward task, but it is more involved than replacing a single-pole switch. This simple diagram below will give you a better understanding of what this circuit is accomplishing.While installing new electrical wiring should almost always be done by a licensed electrician, DIYers can successfully replace old switches with new switches, if local codes allow. Black wire = Power or Hot wire White wire = Neutral Bare copper = Ground When wiring a Dimmer switch circuit, all we want to do is to control the black wire (hot wire) to turn Dim/Brighten the load. (See my Romex Cable page to get familiar with the different types of wire) The cable consist of a black wire, a white wire and a bare copper wire. Now a typical circuit will contain a 3-wire cable known as romex. When installing a Dimmer switch, all you're really doing is controlling the amount of voltage flow to a light which makes it dim at a low setting to a fully bright light at maximum setting. This lets you dim from one location and turn the For this, You’ll need one three-way dimmer and one With a three-way dimmer, you can controlĪ light from 2 different locations. ![]() A standard single-poleĭimmers (2-way) or three-way dimmers. It should also help in understanding the functions of each type of switch.ĭimmers come in two basic wiring configurations. Go to my Switch Terminology page where I discuss the terms used for the different types of home electrical switches. Also if you need to go over a little terminology so you know exactly what is being discussed. If you feel the need to get more knowledgeable of the task at hand, I recommend going to my How to wire a 2-Way Switch page to get more familiar with your the basics of switch wiring. If you're just replacing an already existing 2-way switch, then your objective should be as easy as swapping the wires from one switch to the other. Wiring a Dimmer switch is as simple as Wiring a 2-way switch. ![]()
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