What wires go where on a 3-way light switch?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So from the incoming power supply. We will connect the black hot wire to the common terminal of switch number 1. Then. We run the black traveler wire from the left traveler terminal of switch.

How do you wire a 3-way wire switch?





Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Now you're going to connect the neutral wire from the power coming in to the neutral wire in the common cable between the two switches. Now you're going to connect the red wire and the black wire.

What color wires go on a 3-way switch?

3-Way Switch Wire Colors



There is no standard for wire colors on 3-way switch travelers. The colors will vary depending on whether NM cable or conduit was used. With NM cable, the wire colors for travelers will be black and red using 3-wire cable. With conduit, the wire colors for travelers could be any color.

What color wire goes to the black screw on a 3-way switch?

Black screw terminal: The black (or darkest in color) screw attaches to the black common wire from the 14/2 cable. The terminal may be labeled COM. Green screw terminal: The green screw is the ground terminal. Two ground wires will be found in both switch boxes, one from the 14/2 cable and one from the 14/3 cable.

What color is the common wire?

Blue wires are also called “C” wires because they are the Common wire.

Why would a 3-way switch have 4 wires?





4-Wire Cable



When wiring a 3-way switch circuit, all we want to do is to control the black wire (hot wire) to turn on and off the load from 2 different locations. The diagram below will give you a better understanding how this circuit is wired.

How do you wire a 3-way 12v switch?

How to Wire a Three-Way Electrical 12-volt Switch

  1. Disconnect the positive battery cable. …
  2. Mount the switch by removing the outer lock ring on the top of the switch. …
  3. Use a continuity tester to verify the switch configuration. …
  4. Strip the wires back 3/8 inch. …
  5. Wire the switch by connecting power to the center terminal(s).


Can you use a 3-way switch as a regular switch?

Yes it can work. 3-way switches are spdt (single pole double throw) with 3 screw terminals, and regular switches are spst (single pole single throw) with 2 screw terminals.

What is a 3-way switch used for?



What is a 3-way switch? A 3-way switch is one that allows you to control a ceiling light (or other electrical fixture) from two separate locations. Common scenarios would be 3-way switches located at both the top and bottom of a stairway, or having 3-way switches next to doors in a room with two entry points.

What are the terminals on a 3-way switch?

A 3-way switch is larger than a single pole switch and has three screw terminals for wiring connections, plus a ground. Two of these take traveler wires that go from one switch to the other. For the third terminal, one switch is connected to the hot supply wire while the other switch is joined to the light.

Is the black screw on a 3-way switch the common?

When disconnecting the wires, mark the wire on the black or dark colored screw as common. Mark the wires on the brass or light colored screws as travelers. Make notes or take a picture to verify connections before removing the old switch. Mark the wires on the brass or light colored screws as travelers.

Does the red wire go to the black screw?



Basic Wire Color-Coding



A black or red-hot wire usually connects to a brass-colored screw terminal or black wire lead on electrical devices. A white neutral wire usually connects to a silver-colored terminal or white wire lead.

Which wire is hot red or black?

Black wires are hot wires that run to the electrical outlet from the switch. Red wires are hot wires common in a 240-volt outlet or when a wall switch controls the outlet. Blue and yellow wires are hot wires for ceiling fans and three- or four-way switches. White or gray electrical wires are neutral wires.

What is the color code for 3 phase wiring?

The color code for AC power wiring is similar to the code used in the United States: Phase 1 – Red. Phase 2 – Black. Phase 3 – Blue.

Is the gold screw hot or neutral?

The black or red wire – the hot wire – connects to the brass or gold screw. This tells you that the gold screw is the hot terminal.

Which is the hot wire on a 3 prong plug?



black wire

What wires go on a three prong plug? The left slot is “neutral” and the associated white wire should be connected to the silver screw. The right slot is “hot” and the associated black wire should be connected to the brass screw. The green “grounding” wire should be connected to the green screw.

Can a black wire be neutral?

Other Colored Wires



White wires augmented with red or black tape or markings are used as hot; however, a black wire can never be used as a neutral or ground wire, or for any purpose other than to carry a live electrical load.

Is the white or black wire positive?

Recognize that the black wire is the positive one, the white wire is the negative one, and the green wire is the ground. You may see a copper wire instead of a green wire for the ground.

Which wire is usually positive?



The “hot/positive” wire, often known as positive, is colored black. It connects the breaker panel to the switch or light source, carrying electricity. Negative refers to the white wire, which is known as “neutral.” It returns any unused power and current to the circuit breaker panel.

Which side of wire is positive?

The Round / Smooth Side is Always Positive. If the wire is Black and hooked to AC, then the Wire is Positive and White is Negative. If the wires are Red and Black (for DC Purposes), then Red is Always Positive and Black is Always Negative.