Wiring a 3-way switch
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
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- 8 years agolast modified: 8 years ago
- 8 years ago
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Wiring 3-way where power goes to the light
Comments (7)Linesman - I'd assume that both lights are controlled by both switches, otherwise 3-wire cables to the switches would not be needed. Erick - try this: Number the wires on your drawing 1-12, starting with the black power wire (#1) and going clockwise, so that the red wire on the left is #12. I am also assuming that the 3-wire cable on the right on your drawing, labeled "Goes Up Stair to Light" actually goes to the other 3-way switch. Connect as follows: Connect wires 1 & 10. Re-identify both ends of wire 10 as hot (with black tape or a marker) if they are not already. At the switch, wire 10 connects to the Common terminal. The remaining wires (11 & 12) can go on either of the remaining switch terminals. Connect wires 3 & 12 (Traveler) Connect wires 4 & 11 (Traveler) Connect wires 5, 6, and 9. Re-identify both ends of wire 5 as hot. At the switch, wire 5 connects to the Common terminal. The remaining wires (3 & 4) can go on either of the remaining switch terminals. Connect wires 2, 7 and 8. (These are neutrals - no need to re-identify)...See MoreNeutral wire as hot return from 3-way switch?
Comments (7)I don't quite follow "these are the only two wires you need to deal with" - are you saying that you can do a 3-way with only 2 wires (replace single-pole with 3-way) in existing box? Or do you have to run a new traveler to the existing location ("Connect the new red and white to the traveller screws of the both switches.")? I have a single-pole by my front door where plans showed a 3-way. Jbox in basement where exterior garage lights are connected. I'd like to change that to a 3-way and add location near garage so when we go out at night (through the garage) we can turn the exterior lights on so they're on when we get home. If there is a way to wire a 3-way with only 2 wires at the switch it would save me from having to fish a traveler through the exterior (insulated) wall. I can get at the Jbox easily enough, and should have no problem fishing 14/3 through an interior wall on the first floor by the garage, or in the garage (pull existing 14/2 off the lights and add another Jbox in b/t the lights, existing Jbox, and new switch location in the garage?). Thanks. Can I see a diagram?...See MoreHelp-Wiring 3 way dimmer switch
Comments (5)Are the light you are trying to control now controlled by a single pole switch? Are you replacing that single pole with a 3 way and adding a 3way at another location? If yes to both, then connect the incoming hot to the common (black) screw of the new 3way at the existing box, connect the black of the 14/3 to the black going to the light, and connect the red and white of the 14/3 to the other two screws of the 3way switch. Leave the whites already there alone. At the new location, connect the black to the common (black) screw and the red and white to the other two screws....See MoreConvert 3-Way Circuit to 2-Way Circuit
Comments (4)I also have the same question, except my switch is wired slightly different and I also have an extra step. Could you please advise on the following: The 3-way switch that I'm removing has these wires: Black Screw: Black wire (from shared cable to other switch) Silver/Brass Screw above the black screw: White wire (from shared cable to other switch) Silver/Brass Screw across from black screw: Red wire (from shared cable to other switch) Ground The 3-way switch I'm keeping has these wires. This is where the power source comes in: Black Screw(Common): Black wire (from power source) Silver/Brass Screw above the black screw: White wire (from shared cable to other switch) Silver/Brass Screw across from black screw: Red wire (from shared cable from other switch) Ground **Note: The White wire from power source is twisted off in a group of other white wires from other switches in the gangbox. Additional task: I have a separate 2way light switch next to the 3way switch(mentioned above) in the gangbox. I would like to wire this 2way switch into the 3way switch (or maybe vice versa). I want all lights in the room from both switches(2way and 3way) to function off a single switch, so perhaps wiring the 3way switch into the 2way is easier once the unneeded 3way switch is dealt with appropriately? Thank you for your help! This post was edited by flyons on Sun, Mar 16, 14 at 14:18...See More- 8 years ago
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