3 Way Switches Explained - How to wire 3 way light switch
How Do Three Way Switches Work?
Introduction to Three Way Switches
- Paul introduces the topic of three way switches for lighting circuits in North America, outlining that the video will cover three different circuit designs based on the position of the light fitting.
- A PDF wiring guide is available with detailed illustrations and step-by-step instructions for all three types of circuits, emphasizing safety and competence when working with electricity.
Understanding Three Way Switches
- Explanation of a three way switch's components: four screw terminals (ground, common terminal, two traveler terminals), and how flipping the switch changes the path electricity can take.
Circuit Design 1: Light Fitting at End
- The first circuit design involves having the light fitting last in the circuit. Required parts include three wire cable, two wire cable, connectors, ceiling box, light fitting, and two three-way switches.
- Instructions for connecting incoming power supply: black hot wire to common terminal of switch one; black traveler wire from switch one to switch two; completing connections to ceiling box and light fitting.
Completing Circuit Connections
- Details on running red traveler wires between switches and connecting neutral wires through wire connectors in both switch boxes.
- Grounding procedures are outlined: connecting ground wires from incoming supply to both switches and ensuring metal ceiling box is grounded properly.
Powering Up Circuit 1
- Description of how electricity flows through this circuit when powered. It explains how flipping either switch affects whether or not the light turns on.
Circuit Design 2: Light Fitting Between Switches
Overview of Second Circuit Design
- Introduction to a second circuit where the light fitting is positioned between two switches. Parts needed include various cables and connectors similar to the first design.
Wiring Instructions for Circuit 2
- Connection steps begin with linking black hot wire from incoming supply to common terminal of switch one; then running traveler wires into ceiling box.
Neutral Wire Connections
- Neutral wires are connected through various points including a connection at the light fitting which must be marked as hot using electrical tape.
Grounding Procedures for Safety
- Emphasis on grounding throughout this setup by connecting ground wires from each component back to a central ground point within the ceiling box.
Powering Up Circuit 2
Understanding Circuit Connections
Overview of Switch and Light Fitting Configuration
- The circuit involves two switches where flipping switch one allows electricity to reach switch two via the red traveler, but it cannot cross switch two until it is flipped.
- For this configuration, necessary materials include a two and three wire cable, ceiling box, wire connectors, two switch boxes, three-way switches, light fitting, and black electrical tape.
Wiring Process for the Circuit
- The incoming supply hot black wire connects to the ceiling box using a wire connector. A white wire runs from this connector to switch box one and must be marked with black electrical tape at both ends to indicate it's hot.
- Another white wire connects from the first connector to the common terminal of switch two; this too is marked with black electrical tape. A red traveler wire links the right traveler terminals of both switches.
Completing the Circuit
- A black traveler wire connects between the left traveler terminals of both switches. From switch one’s common terminal, a black wire leads to the light fitting terminal while an incoming neutral connects to another light fitting terminal.
- To ensure safety, an incoming ground wire is connected within the ceiling box and also grounds the metal ceiling box using a ground screw. Additional grounding connections are made between various components.
Functionality of Completed Circuit
- With all connections established: when powered on, electricity flows through hot wires into white wires leading to switch two; if switched on there, it travels through the light fitting back through neutral.