3 Way Switches Explained - How to wire 3 way light switch

How to wire 3 way light switch, in this video we explain how three way switching works to connect a light fitting which is controlled with two light switches. We look at the US color coding wires and explain the different ways to connect the lighting circuit.

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[pitsnipe]

I was formally trained as an electrician in the 1960’s. This is by far the best explanation of three way switches I have ever seen. Not surprised. We used some of you videos in my former employer’s (I’m retired now) online training courses. All very well done.

[darcy]

Honestly I've searched for years for air conditioning videos.
I'm a technician learning on my own on the job.
Your videos are literally putting food in my family's mouth.
I cant thank you enough.

[dclikemtndew]

As an experienced electrician who just never deals with 3 way switches in my line of work, this is exactly what i needed. Just an explanation of what the travelers are doing without all the extra fluff.

[jonfarrell]

I’ve watched over 20 different dudes explaining hooking up 3 way and they always start half way through or they go to fast, they don’t show and explain where flow goes every wire every step of the way. I had only 14/2 hooked up between my 2 )3-way switches on 1 light. Had 3 different 14/2 wires coming into secondary switch. Holy fuck was I lost because everyone on YouTube shows you with a 14/3 going from switch to switch. Because of your video and my multimeter I was able to determine it was the first example and was able to safely hook up my new led dimmer in the secondary switch. My wife is so happy and so am I with my new slim disk led lights. Thank you thank you thank you for being an actual teacher who covers everything include materials needed and then finally a label of wires.

[matrixate]

Clearly, this has to be the best presentation because I only had to watch it once, non-stop, to fully understand how this is wired. It's actually a lot simpler than I thought.

[austentownsend]

This is a great video explaining 3 way switches. I have a few other comments to add. In your presentation you say put the black travelers on the left screws and the red travelers on the right screws. Left or right doesn't matter, you just need a pair of wires between the traveler screws. Also, looking at the 4:42 point in the presentation, I prefer using the black wire going to the right switch to connect the common terminal to the light fixture. Then use the white wire to the right switch as a traveler by connecting it to the black traveler from the left switch at the light box. Doing it that way, you will have a black wire and a white wire to hook to your light fixture.

[tist]

Thanks to this video I was able to fix the 3 way switch in my master bedroom. Previous homeowners somehow had it wired to only power on if both switches were "up" position.

[kevinkoop]

While this video is now four years old, it's still the best I've found to describe various 3-way switch circuits. Thanks for sharing your knowledge/expertise!

[bernardsaab]

Honestly, one of the best presentations I have ever seen on the internet. well done

[shankphadke]

This is an impeccable demonstration. No one on the internet could have explained it better than this one. You have a new subscriber.

[TonyWadkins]

Absolutely one of the best and concise explanations of 3-way switching ! The animation is clear and efficient. Thank you!

[poppy]

This is the only video I could find that explained these 3 options well and with good diagrams! Thanks!

[pankajmistry]

I’ve seen a lot of 3 way switch explanations, but this is one of the best and easiest to understand. Animations are excellent!!! Thanks bud

[victorquesada]

I love the clarity that the animation brings to the table. I am using the light in the middle, from timestamp 3:46 on. Hope you all do well on your projects and in your learning.

[dwaynedunbar]

Going for multiple light run in garage with switch at the door and a second switch at the garage door. I watched and then drew it out on paper. I feel like I got it and understand what's happening. Thanks for the color coded description, it really helped.

[davidrobinson]

This demonstrations excellent. The instruction is straight forward and not fraud in any way. Thank you so much. I wish all of the instructional videos on You Tube were as well thought out and direct. There are many such videos on You Tube but they are burdensome because of fluff and non pertinent information. This makes Them long and burdensome. And not worth the time required to watch them.

[offthetrail]

Found it. I’m installing a new light switch on the other side of the light and at 4:00 I found the exact circuit I’d be wiring. I ran wire for 3 years but I didn’t do any finish wiring so I didn’t know to cap the black and white at the light box but I knew that eventually in my circuit Common would be Hot. This explained EVERYTHING I needed to know to do the job. I enjoy many of your videos as a new technician training myself in all trades at a very large apartment complex. My bosses know I have the ability to troubleshoot so I’ve been forced to learn on my own. Well partially on my own thanks to Grandpa YouTube and all his infinite wisdom. Thanks for the video and to all of you who produce boring ass content like this lmao.

[thasolution]

Very cool demonstration. Little note, where I’m from only the first circuit would be legal as you now need a neutral wire in the switch boxes.

[ReginaldGreen]

This is by far the best video on 3 way switches and how to hook up a 3 way switch when the power is coming from the light socket.

[UniversidadKerygma]

I did pay for their 3 way pdf guide not because I needed but because this kind of videos are really helpful. Thank you from Puerto Rico.