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3-Way Switch Wiring

How to wire 3-way switches using NM (Romex) cable with wiring diagrams included.

Convert 3-Way Switches to Single Pole

To convert a 3-way switch to single pole, one of the traveler wires is removed from the switch.

Wire Nuts

are used to connect two or more wires together. There are many types of wire connectors, the most common are twist-on.

Ceiling Fan Switch Wiring

3-wire cable travels from the switch box and connects to the fan, lights, neutral, and ground wires.

Ceiling fan switch wire makeup

Multiple Switch Wiring

Multiple light switch wiring using NM cable. Includes wiring diagrams.

Light Switch Wiring

With conventional light switch wiring using NM cable, the NM supplies line voltage from the electrical panel to a light switch outlet box.

Electrical Outlets

An outlet (electrical outlet) is a device that supplies power to an electrical load through a cord and plug.

15 amp receptacle

4-Way Switch Wiring

4-way switches have four terminals each with two pairs of travelers (one pair usually black and and the other pair brass color).

Fluorescent Ballasts

Fluorescent lamps use a ballast which transforms line voltage to a type of power to start up and operate the lamp(s).

Outlet Wiring

Diagrams showing how outlets are wired using NM cable (Romex). Diagrams also include a dryer outlet and typical ground connections.

Convert Fluorescent Tubes to LED

There is much to consider when choosing LED replacement tubes for fluorescent fixtures. Here is what you need to know before choosing the right LED tubes.

Low Voltage

Low voltage is defined as 50 volts (V) or less. Common low voltages are 12V, 24V, and 48V.

12 Volt 20 Watt Light Bulb Circuit Thumb

GFCI and AFCI Wiring

Power is connected to the line side. Protected outlet(s) will be connected to the load side.

GFCI Load Wiring thumb

Ballast Wiring

A fluorescent tube circuit includes a ballast, wires, lampholders, and the tubes.

Ohm’s Law

Voltage, current, resistance, and power can be calculated using ohm’s law.

3-Way Switch Wiring Variation

Alternate 3-way switch wiring diagram gif thumb

Different Voltages

110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 220, 230, 240, 250 volts, what are all these different voltages?

240 volt diagram 1 thumb

Basic Electricity

Includes electrical definitions, ohm's law, and electrical circuit information including direct and alternating current.

Switched Outlets

A duplex outlet has removable metal tabs that electrically connect line and neutral together on each outlet. A switched outlet is a duplex with one or both tabs removed to isolate each outlet from the other.

Split Receptacle, Same Circuit thumb

Replace Ballasts

How to replace a fluorescent ballast, including 2, 3, and 4 lamp rapid and instant start ballasts. Includes a how to replace a ballast video.

NM Cable

NM is a type of cable that contains insulated conductors enclosed within an overall nonmetallic jacket.

14 AWG NM rated for 15 amps thumb

Direct current (DC) Diagram thumb

Conventional 3-way wiring is not very complex. However there is a variant wiring configuration that could cause confusion.

GFCI and AFCI

Provide extra safety protections to your household.

GFCI Receptacle

Question or Comment?

Doorbell Wiring

Doorbell circuits use a doorbell transformer to convert 120V to a low voltage.

Doorbell transformer thumb

3-way switches are used to control lights with two switches.

4-way switch configurations are used to control lights with three or more switches.

3-Way Toggle Switch Animation

4-Way Toggle Switch Animation

Troubleshoot 3-Way Switches

Usually when a 3-way switch fails, lights can be toggled on and off at one switch, but not the other.

Troubleshoot 4-Way Switches

Usually when a 3-way or 4-way switch fails, lights can be toggled on and off on all but one switch.

3-way Light Switch Wiring Diagram 1 thumb

3-way Switch to Single Pole 2 thumb

Multiple Light Switch Wiring Diagram thumb

Conventional Light Switch Wiring Diagram thumb

4-way switch wiring diagram thumb

Receptacle Wiring Diagram thumb