This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be.
Three way light switch diagram.
Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram.
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.
Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch.
Three wire cable runs between the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light.
The black and red wires between sw1 and sw2 are connected to the traveler terminals.
3 way switch wiring diagram line to light fixtureline voltage enters the light fixture outlet box.
The ground wire goes through both switch boxes and the ceiling light box and it is connected at all junctions except the light with a pigtail short piece of wire and wire connector.
With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.
Wiring diagram 3 way switch with light at the end.
Wiring a 3 way light switch.
Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram.
No longer allowed after 2011 nec if no neutral wire in switch boxes 3 way switch wiring diagram light fixture between switchesline voltage enters the first 3 way switch outlet box light fixture is located between switch boxes no longer allowed after 2011 nec if no neutral wire in switch boxes.
With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.
In this diagram the electrical source is at the first switch and the light is located at the end of the circuit.