3 way switch wiring power at switch12/26/2023 The common terminals will always be connected to a hot wire, either from the source or on the light fixture. In any case, the common terminal will be distinguished from the travelers in some way. Depending on the manufacturer, the travelers may be on opposite sides of the device or the two terminals may be on the same side. The common terminal may be labeled and is usually a different color than the traveler terminals. Of the three circuit terminals, one is called the common and the other two are known as travelers. Three-way switches have 3 terminals to carry circuit electricity and one terminal for a ground wire. At the dimmer, the black wire is connected to the common wire and at the other end, to the hot terminal on the light. The black and red wires running between the switches connect the travelers together. The source neutral is spliced through to the light fixture using the white cable wires at each box. From there, 3-wire cable runs to the dimmer in the second box and 2-wire cable runs from the dimmer to the light at the end of the circuit. In this circuit, the source hot is connected to the common terminal on the 3-way switch in the first box. In any case, the traveler wires will be the same color to distinguish them from the common wire on the device. The common wire is usually black and the travelers are red. In most cases, instead of terminals, a 3-way dimmer has 4 wires coming out of the casing: one common, two travelers, and one ground wire. This device can be used in place of any of the 3 way switches in these circuits, as well as to dim the lights in a 4-way circuit as illustrated at this link. After the lighting level has been set on one dimmer, the other switch will turn the lights off and on at that level. This arrangement allows for lowering the lights in a 3-way circuit. The following 4 diagrams show the wiring for a specially made dimmer that can be used in these circuits in place of either of the the 3 way switches, or both. The hot source is connected to the common terminal on SW1 and the common terminal on SW2 connects to the hot terminal on the light. The black and red wires between SW1 and SW2 are connected to the traveler terminals. Three-wire cable runs between the two 3-ways and 2-wire cable runs to the light. In this diagram, the electrical source is at the first switch and the light is located at the end of the circuit. Wiring Diagram 3 Way Switch with Light at the End For more information about these circuits and troubleshooting tips for 3-way circuits, check below. Also included, are diagrams for 3 way dimmers, a 3 way ceiling fan, and an arrangement for a switched outlet from two locations. On this page are several wiring diagrams that can be used to map 3 way lighting circuits depending on the location of the source in relation to the switches and lights. Check here for 4-way switch diagrams and to wire 3-way and 4-way circuits with multiple lights see these. Four-way switches can control a fixture from 3 or more locations. Three-way switches allow for controlling a light fixture or ceiling fan from two separate locations, these are usually used at the top and bottom of a flight of stairs or at two different entrances to a room.
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