Heartwarming 3 Way Switch Using 2 Wire

Two way switches are single pole single throw spst with two connection wires and are wired with 12 2 or 14 2 cable between the switch and fixture.

3 way switch using 2 wire. Run a length of 14 2 cable from each 3 way switch to the light fixture and a third one between the. A three way wall switch is single pole double throw spdt with three connection wires and is typically wired with 12 3 or 14 3 cable between the two switches. 2 to save time.

And finally a 2 wire switch leg is pulled from the second s3 to the nearest light and then to any other. Run another cable from the bulb to the other switch also connecting the black to the common on one side and the bulb on the other. Regardless of what 3 way switch wiring diagram you re following you ll need to use a 3 wire cable to connect the two 3 way light switches.

Using 2 wire travelers is a common practice by construction electricians for 2 reasons. Existing replacement if you want to add a 3 way switch to an existing light switch then you don t need any additional wiring at that location. The white wire is unused.

I ve verified that one cable goes to the light and the other to the switch. This 3 wire is used for the travelers and the neutral. So what you should see if you have correct 3 wire electrical cable romex is a black power white neutral and now a 3rd red wire.

First meaning the closest s3 to power. You run a 14 2 cable from the lightbulb to one switch and connect the black to the bulb on one side and the common connector of the switch. This is the 3 wire cable which you must have to wire a 3 way light switch.

The only additional wiring you need is to get a feed to wherever you want the second switch using a 14 2 wire. Then a 3 wire 14 3 12 3 is run between switches from the first s3 to the second s3. 3 way switches are useful for large rooms with multiple entrances but require a bit more wiring than a standard single pole switch.