{"id":4004,"date":"2022-11-18T03:10:33","date_gmt":"2022-11-18T03:10:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ledask.com\/?p=4004"},"modified":"2022-11-18T07:42:17","modified_gmt":"2022-11-18T07:42:17","slug":"3-way-lighting-circuit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ledask.com\/3-way-lighting-circuit\/","title":{"rendered":"3-Way Lighting Circuit: Convenient Light Bulb Circuit with Two Switching Locations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Single-pole or traditional light switches are effective for most applications but might be inconvenient if you have a large room. However, 3-way switches can enable you to control the bulb\/fixture from more than one location, which is convenient. We will look at the 3-way lighting circuit to understand the wiring behind these switches and how it makes them work. Read on to learn more!<\/p>\n\n\n

What Is a Three-Way Switch?<\/h2>\n\n\n

Also known as a 3-pole switch, a 3-way switch features three terminals to carry circuit electricity. It is a typical arrangement found in large houses to enable you to control one light fixture<\/a> from different locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, if you have a large living room, you can install one switch at the main entrance and the other at the end of the stairway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A three-way lighting switch<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or you can fit one switch close to the bedroom door and the other next to your bed. This multiway switching<\/a> enables you to turn the central light fixture on when you enter the door, then turn it off when you get in bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individual 3-way switch types resemble single-pole switches. But they do not have the on\/off labels. They complete or discontinue the circuit based on the other switch’s position, so labeling them won’t make sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three-way switch electrical circuits can also work with dimmer switches, so long as it supports 3-way switching.<\/p>\n\n\n

3-Way Circuit Diagram<\/h2>\n\n\n

Three-way circuit diagrams can be in any of the following configurations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"3-way<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3-way switch wiring with the light fixture in between<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"3-way<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3-way switch wiring with the light fixture at the end<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The 3-way switch wiring with the light fixture at the start<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the position of the components differs, all circuits have the same components.<\/p>\n\n\n

Types of Wires Used in Standard 3-Way Switch Circuits<\/h2>\n\n\n

Most standard 3-way lighting circuits use 14\/2 and 14\/3 cables. The first number (14) refers to the wire gauge<\/a>, while the second digit indicates the number of conductors in the cable (two or three). The gauge rating shows the wire’s thickness and determines how much current it can carry. For instance, a 14-gauge wire has a 15-amp rating, while a 12-gauge wire has a 20-amp rating.<\/p>\n\n\n

Parts of a 3-Way Switch Circuit Lighting System<\/h2>\n\n\n

The most complex part of a 3-way lighting circuit is the wiring. So without considering the light bulb, these are the parts of a 3-way switch circuit.<\/p>\n\n\n

14\/2 Wire<\/h3>\n\n\n

These cables feature two colored wire conductors (white and black wire) plus a third bare copper cable. The 14\/2 wire connects the power source to the first switch box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n