How to Wire Three Way Switch

Three-way switches are preferred these days as they can control lights, dimmers and receptacles from two different points. For example, a light bulb installed in your bedroom can be turned on or off not only from the bedroom but also from the kitchen or living room. Though in a small way, yet the three way switches work to make your life easy and comfortable. Therefore, considering installation of three-way switches at your home, garage, etc. is a wise idea.

For installing or wiring three way switches, you need not call a professional. You can do it easily on your own if you have some basic tools and plumbing skills. The materials required for this purpose are a sharp three way switch, insulated electrical cables, knife, wire strippers, black tape, and grounding screws.

Instructions on How to Wire a Three Way Electrical Switch

Step 1: Wiring a three way switch, may require either a 14-3 or 12-3 w/ground cable. The selection of cable size depends upon the load that will be pulled in the circuit. If you wish, you may consult an electrician or an electrical inspector to find out the information on correct sizing. The 14-3 w/ground cable has three conductors. These are white, red and black in color. All these three cables are well insulated from outside.

Step 2: Turn off the circuit breakers before beginning the work on wiring a three way switch. You should confirm whether the supply of electricity has been stopped in the circuits or not with the help of an electrical tester. Make sure that there is no electric current running in the circuit to smoothen your working and minimize any chance of occurrence of mishap.

Step 3: You will find three terminals in a three way switch. One of them will be marked as 'common'. The rest of the terminals will be marked as 'travelers'. You are supposed to hook the common terminal with a black or red wire. The black or red wire is also commonly known as hot wire. One of the travelers is meant to be hooked to the hot wire from the electrical source. The other traveler needs to be hooked to the hot wire from the fixture such as the light, ceiling fan, dimmer, etc.

Step 4: Now it's time to hook the travelers of one switch to that of the other. You need not to follow any particular order while doing this. But make sure that all the wires are fixed and hooked well. This will prevent you from rectifying the arrangement of three way switch too often.

Step 5: Make sure that you wrap black electrical tapes around the ends of all cables. This will remind you as well as others about the danger in rough handling of these electrical cables such as touching the cables with wet hands.

By going through all the instructions on wiring three way switches, you must have come to know that this particular task to wire three way circuit doesn't need much physical work but attention and care from you. Replace the normal switches with three way types, and enjoy a life of comfort and ease at home, office and even in garage.