[Proper] 3 Way Switch Wiring and Connection Diagram

Hey, today we are going to see the 3-way switch wiring and a 3-way switch connection diagram. The three-way switch is used to control one light or bulb from two separate places. Three-way switches are used in large hall rooms, where controlling of light from different places is required. First of all, let's identify the terminals of the 3-way switches then we will see the connection of 3-way switch. In a typical three-way switch setup, there are two three-way switches and one light bulb is to be connected.

3-Way Switch Terminals

Here, in the below figure, an original 3-way switch is shown and the diagram of that switch is also given.

You can see in the above figure the 3-way switch has a total of four terminals. The upper left terminal is the ground terminal which is connected to the metallic body of the switch. Both the left and right terminals below the ground terminal are called 'travelers'. The lower right terminal is called the common terminal.

3-Way Switch Connection Diagram

Here the connection diagram of two 3-way switches with a light bulb is given below.

Here, you can see we need two three-way switches to control a light bulb. The neutral from the power source is directly connected to the light. We only control the Phase using two three-way switches. In this arrangement, you should be able to control the light bulb from both switch locations. The up position of one switch will turn the light on, while the up position of the other switch will turn it off.

How to connect 3-way switch?

1. First of all, connect the incoming phase wire to the common terminal of the first switch.

2. Connect the common terminal of the second switch with any one terminal of the light bulb.

3. Connect the left 'traveler' terminal of the first 3-way switch with the left 'traveler' terminal of the second 3-way switch.

4. Connect the right 'traveler' terminal of the first 3-way switch with the right 'traveler' terminal of the second 3-way switch.

5. Connect the incoming neutral wire to the rest terminal of the light bulb.

6. If you want to take safety from electrical shock then connect the earth or ground wire to the ground terminal of each switch. In the above figure, the connection of the ground is also shown.

7. After completing the wiring, turn on the power to the circuit and test the switches.

 Read Also:

• Different way to connect Two-Way Switches.
• Make easily Two-Way switch using One-Way switch.
• Control One light bulb from four places by using only two way switch.
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