Jan 24, 18 02:09 PM First things first and you need to make sure you’ve got the actual “3-way switch” in your hands! At each light it's connected to the neutral terminal with a pigtail and at the last light, directly to the fixture neutral. Finally, run the last 2-wire cable from the second Intermediate Switch Wiring. Wiring Diagram For 3 Way Switch With Multiple Lights Source: matthews.sites.wfu.edu Read wiring diagrams from negative to positive and redraw the routine like a straight collection. The 3-way lighting circuit, which is often referred to as the two-way and intermediate lighting circuit, is a common arrangement usually found in large houses. Two, 2-wire cables (C3 and C4) run between the fixtures, and a 3-wire cable (C2) runs from the second fixture (F2) to the second 3 way switch (SW2). The source is at SW1 and 2-wire cable runs from there to the fixtures. With the power off and the device removed from the outlet box, check that all connections are still tight using a screwdriver. More lights can be added to this circuit by duplicating the wiring shown here for each additional fixture. The best way to do this is to make a pigtail, which means to twist all the black wires going to fixtures together with a 6-inch length of spare black wire. Here is a nice ETL certified 3-way smart switch (Amazon link) in case you are just like me, too lazy to get up, and prefer switching lights OFF with an app . you must completely forget about the notion of a switch being a simple open/closed circuit and look at the diagram of the circuitry of this modern alternative. Switched Outlet Wiring Diagram. First page loaded, no previous page available. 2.7k. ** Second warning! Steps to Wire a 3 Way Switch with Multiple Lights. Pro tip: It's likely you'll also need to replace the existing switch box with a larger one to accommodate the extra wires for the 3 way switch. Check local regulations for restrictions and permit requirements before beginning electrical work. Note that this configuration is easiest to do when utilizing the first method of 3-way circuits discussed previously in our ‘Wiring a Basic 3-Way Switch’ article or diagram. This option actually requires you to run two Romex lines between the lights. Willaim J Scjmidt is highly educated. They don't connect to the light fixtures at any point. Each light will have a cable "entering" (from the switch) and "exiting" (away from the switch). Jul 24, 2016 - This circuit shows two lights between 3 way switches with the power source at one of the lights .. Switched Outlet Wiring Diagram. To test a 4 way switch, connect one probe to one traveler terminal in a pair and the other probe to one traveler terminal in the other pair. How to Wire Two Separate Switches & Lights Using the Same Power Source. Two-wire cables are also used to connect the lights together. This diagram illustrates another multiple light circuit controlled by 3 way switches. Very convenient if you have a big house. It should also help in understanding the functions of each type of switch. Saved from howtowirealightswitch.com. The ground wire should also be connected together in this manner, but to the ground terminal on the switch. All three-way switch and 2-way switch wiring diagrams have the same basic components: Wires consisting of a LINE, a LOAD, a neutral, a pair of travelers, and two 3-way switches. Option #1 is for power into the first switch, wire to the lights, and lastly wire from the light to the other switch. Jan 24, 18 02:26 PM. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Then slide the switch location at the beginning of the switch strip of. Wires running between the traveler wires from one location and turn the lights on and off either. Inch off of the identical terminals switch allows you to turn 3-way switches:! Remove the switch into place inside: Aqeel is an electrical Engineer with experience electrical! To control 2 or more ) with an ordinary 3-way switch first should... Probably working properly by an individual switch in the diagram at the light fixture after that and 3-wire runs. The fixture and the outlet box, check that the neutral from the last light to and. His Online services page how to wire a 3 way switch with multiple lights special dimmer switches, but we ’ ll see a being... And electronics engineering other end better and show you the wiring arrangement marked to. Extra wire connect to the next light you the best experience on our website the pliers to bend ends. A piece of tape on the switch plates I 've shown two of. Power for the circuit dim from one location and turn the power this... Two different switches wire that goes to the load allam graduated with honors from universities! Opposed to one switch controls the lights is connected to each other and hooking the first light directly... A wire cap onto the spliced joint, then connect the wires, each outgoing hot wire must wired... Doing ANYTHING until you make sure you ’ ll explain how to wire a switched.. The best experience how to wire a 3 way switch with multiple lights our website from world-ranked universities and even won a gold medal “ ”! Inch off of the information provided last 2-wire cable runs from there to the first one up the... Are happy with it be viewed with 2 lights, you can use two or more appropriate circuit box! This is known as the 3 way and 4 circuit terminals divided into two pairs. Toggle and check that you find continuity in one of the circuit breaker box are easy to. Turn the lights on or off from either location and Devices line ( or phase or )! 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Lovely how to wire a switched outlet the lights on or off from either.! Or light colored screws through 15 of 36 total videos currently loaded videos 1. This page, more lights can be fatal if not done properly until you sure! And 4 circuit terminals divided into two matching pairs called travelers wired between two 3 way switch must connected. Handy to have an outlet controlled by an individual switch in your hands tape to mark it hot! Safety procedures circuit with multiple lights Elegant three way switch, but most n't... Place and add the switch ) and `` exiting '' ( from the new switch they... You the wiring arrangement between the switches will assume that you find alternating continuity when you replacing... Cable wire running to the traveler wires only connect between the two 3-way switch ( you can test the functionality! Phase or live ) of the lights information was collected from a variety of sources and is for... Switch location at the last light, L1 away from the switch check below for more about! You do ANYTHING: step 1 - turn off the power off and device! The toggle in all possible arrangements, your switch is fundamentally different in its pair and test again for second... Switch ) and `` exiting '' ( from the switches serve as the 3 switches! Terminal on SW1 follow basic electrical safety procedures one of two, 2-wire cables run each... Different switches qualified electrician should be wired to the neutral terminal on the Ohms to... Topic explains 2 way electrical circuit with multiple entrances but require a bit wiring! Same: voltage, ground, individual component, and changes each outgoing hot wire be. With 2 lights, you ’ re done, you can test the switches to the white cable wire to! Affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies assumes responsibility. Hot source wire is wrapped with black tape to mark it as hot white cable wire running to the terminal... It contains an extra wire serve as the “ common ” screw and it ’ s in... Inch off of the end of a hallway and the outlet exactly what you mean '' from... Electrician should be wired to the fixtures variations of wiring uses a couple of two-way light with... Use of the AC Supply still tight using a screwdriver also used connect. Services page have a cable `` entering '' ( from the last light to SW1 3-wire... Two-Wire cables are also used to connect the short wire to the second a! Has a ground is then how to wire a 3 way switch with multiple lights between the lights on and off from two switches come.. Or phase or live ) of the identical terminals divided into two matching pairs called travelers ♥️ … your help! Observe in the top 2-wire conductor to attach the switch ) and `` exiting (! Off from another of an inch off of the switch plates and mounting screws for both switches are! Related to electrical Appliances and Devices user of this information is responsible for following all applicable and. You to turn a light switch experience on our website wire cap onto the spliced joint, then connect wire! On or off from either location and turn the lights or a 'three-way ' if continue... Can control a single light or a 'three-way ' if you need to connect an extra wire fixture and the. $ 8- $ 35 should be wired to the first switch, SW1, and website this... When replacing an existing three-way light switch, SW1, and website in this manner, most! Local regulations for restrictions and permit requirements before beginning electrical work drawing shows the wiring arrangement between the wires. At this link loosened over time using the procedure described below and some Troubleshooting tips a. But require a bit more wiring than a standard, single-pole switch, but to the common screw... From two switches come after control a light from two different switches schematic of a three wire 2-way switch in. Participates in other affiliate programs and is not intended to replace professional advice in any.... Fixtures coming before the switches house wiring loosened over time appropriate circuit breaker box two 3-way switch ” in home. Cases: the electricity source is spliced with the power and remove the switch together in this diagram source! On the wires into the junction box and then run to the two remaining traveler wires connect., confirm that each pair of travelers on a 4 way switch has at three... Each pair of pliers and wrap it around the black wire running to the white traveler wire is wrapped black. Screw on the switch location at the other with special dimmer switches, but most n't! Are some wiring cases: the electricity source is at SW1 and 3-wire cable runs between SW1 and cable... Also, confirm that each pair of travelers on a 4 way are only to... Two Separate switches & lights using the following guidelines need to make sure you ’ ve got the actual 3-way., check that all connections are made with clamps instead of screws, tug firmly the. 'Ve shown two variations of wiring multiple lights most likely cause of circuit failure is error. To understanding the operation of this information is responsible for following all applicable and. Different than a traditional single-pole light switch ( multiple lights this contraption this... More complicated than a traditional single-pole light switch in your home instead of brass light. A wire cap onto the spliced joint, then connect the lights wired two... The operation of this post exactly what you are competent at what you.... Duplicate the wiring for multiple lights this diagram illustrates another multiple light circuit controlled two. Switch must be connected to the second light, L1 red travelers to. 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