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A three-way switch controls ceiling lights, fans, or other fixtures from two locations, unlike a single-pole switch, which controls a light fixture from a single location. You can arrange switches to control light fixtures from multiple locations using a three-way or four-way switch.
Our step-by-step guide with wiring diagrams and complete instructions will help you get a 3-way switch wired in a single day. A light switch is the simplest of electrical devices. Flip the switch, electricity flows.
What is a 3-way switch? A three-way switch is one that allows you to control a ceiling light (or other electrical fixture) from two separate locations.
A 3-way switch allows you to turn a light on or off from two different switches. 3-way switches are useful for large rooms with multiple entrances but require a bit more wiring than a standard, single-pole switch.
Learn how to wire a 3-way light switch in your home using this guide. Three-way light switches are ideal when you need to control lights from two locations.
Wiring a 3-Way Switch. A 3-way switch setup allows you to control a single light fixture from two separate switches. This is particularly useful for staircases, hallways, and large rooms. Unlike standard single-pole switches, a 3-way switch has extra terminals, allowing it to interact with another switch to control the same light.
The three-way switch wiring diagram depicted at the top of this post is probably the most common method for wiring three-way switches. The two-wire LINE cable goes into one switch box, and the two-wire LOAD cable goes into the other.
Don’t be intimidated by the many colored wires, terminals, and screws. Learn how to wire a 3-way switch, and how all of the parts work together.
With a three-way switch, three wires connect the pair of switches—two black “traveler” wires and a third “common” wire. When the circuit’s power is turned on, any of these may be “hot,” depending upon how the switches are toggled.
Although a 3 way is one of the hardest electrical circuits to figure out, it's also one of the most useful. Note: there are several ways to install a 3 Way Light Switch. The methods shown here are some of the safest and most versatile, though not the only options. Flip off power in the room you're working. [2]