How to Wire a 3-Way Switch

Learn how to wire a 3-way switch. The wiring is more complicated than a traditional single-pole switch, but we'll explain how to make the connections. Once you're done, you'll be able to control a light from two switches.

0:01 - 0:12 How to Wire a 3-Way Switch
0:13 - 0:24 Step #1: Turn Off Power
0:25 - 0:43 Step #2: Where to Find a 3-Way Switch
0:44 - 0:58 Step #3: Label Wires
0:59 - 1:02 Step #4: Strip Wires
1:03 - 1:09 Step #5: Attach Ground Wires
1:10 - 2:16 Step #6: Connect Switch 1
2:17 - 3:20 Step #7: Connect Switch 2
3:21 - 3:38 Step #8: Install the Light
3:39 - 3:47 Step #9: Turn Circuit On

#familyhandyman #diy #3wayswitch #3wayswitchwiring #howto #electrical #homeimprovement
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[DB_-]

Nice video. Very clearly explained and demonstrated, but it would be helpful for those watching to see that they will need both 2-wire and 3-wire cables. The 3-wire cable has the additional red wire and is used only between the two switches as you correctly showed but didn't elaborate on. Also when shopping for cable, lights are wired in 14 gauge, so the packaging would indicate 14/2 (the second number indicates the number of wires in the cable but not including the ground) and 14/3 which would be used as the common between switches.

[matheussoares]

This could be common sense but he forgot to mention that the cable that connects each box needs to have 4 WIRES (BLACK, WHITE, GROUND AND RED). I installed everything but I thought it was only a 3 wire cable that connects the box. I had to redo it. Live and learn.😅😊 Very good video by the way.

[dubled]

This is the best explanation of how to wire a 3 way switch. I really appreciated you using real objects rather than drawings, much easier to follow, for me anyway. Thanks again!

[uncleval]

I think the 1970's jazz prno music makes the 3way switch that much more exciting 🤠👍

[BobSmith-bzgt]

Thanks, very helpful and simpler than I thought it would be

[garyjefferson]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. For sure the best explanation for 3 way switch install I could find. I was ready give up and call an electrician but this made it simple.

[carlmyman]

Great video but I have 1 comment. On the second switch you should have placed the red traveler on the same side as the common (as done with switch 1) to be consistent. Then when both switches are in the up or down position the light will be on, when 1 is up, the other down the light will be off. I enjoyed how you ran through the steps without all the blah, blah, blah of other videos on youtube. Great job!

[safetyminutes]

Three-way switches had me confused. This video was so clear and exactly what I needed. Thank you so much. You're a wonderful teacher.

[calvinrutledge]

Thank you for keeping it short and simple.

[slex]

I installed my first 3 way today, was really fun looking at this good quality video. Yes I kept my traveler wires consistent. Thanks

[thebigroy]

i think the best 3 way switch video out there. Mainly because it is not 10 minutes long and doesn't need to be. THanks.

[craigjacks]

Thanks to your simple, patient explanation, I nailed the landing on the 1st try. Thank you

[joevaldivia]

Once you strip the wire and loop it on the terminals you should always crimp them. Also explain to your viewers you started with a 14-2 or 12-2, which would be your line hot. You should also explain that both three way switch are connected the same way with the travelers. And slow down on explaining what exactly what you’re doing.

[grvemonkey]

Many thanks for a simple and direct explanation. Was able to replace a faulty switch and it worked FIRST TIME!

[cobosrojas]

Thanks, I wanted something not over complicated like the 20-min videos out there and well explained

[juanme]

I was confused about connections to the light, now I'm very clear how to do it. Thank you, very good explanation.

[trevorpowers]

Doing a basement remodel, was having problems get the lights to turn on and off from both switches, after 20 videos found your with the same switches that I'm using. Correct the wires to what you were showing and bang work correctly thanks for your video.

[fernandorodriguez]

I had a hallway switch not working right. Saw your video. I switched two black wires and now it’s working correctly. Thank you sir.

[UMCPastorMNM]

Fantastic video. Well edited. Best part was I messed with these two switches for a half an hour before thinking "hey, YouTube". 5 minutes more and the problem was solved. Thanks.

[marcelb]

Thanks for this. Really helped me out. Sometimes people talk too much without keeping it concise