Spectacular 3 Way Circuit
The neutrals not being involved in the switching operation are not shown yet since they can come into the picture.
3 way circuit. A 3 way circuit is a lighting circuit that allows one light fixture to be controlled by two wall switches in different locations. What is a 3 way circuit. There are also four way five way and a gazillion way circuits.
With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. Wiring a 3 way light switch is certainly more complicated than that of the more common single pole switch but you can figure it out if you follow our 3 way switch wiring diagram. The 3 way circuit is a very common system found within most residential installations.
Three way switches allow for controlling a light fixture 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. A 4 way intermediate switch is a purpose built. As you can see.
This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Wiring a 3 way light switch. S s o.
Electrically a typical 3 way switch is a single pole double throw spdt switch. Where the s s are the switches the o is the light and the lines shown are wires carrying constant the line on the left or switchable the rest hotness. The switches may be arranged so that they are in the same orientation for off and contrasting orientations for on.
Normally encountered 3 way systems 3 way circuits as some call them all share one scheme theme. Stairwells hallways and large rooms with multiple access are all candidates for 3 way circuits. 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.