Heartwarming 2 Way Switch 3 Wire System
The following is the simple schematic of a three wire 2 way switch wiring.
2 way switch 3 wire system. This is an important point as many products such as relays cannot work if installed into a 2 wire system. This application note explains the difference between 2 wire and 3 wire lighting systems and helps you understand which version you have in your installation. The first way of wiring uses a couple of two way light switches with a 3 wire control.
When wiring a 2 way switch circuit all you re really doing is controlling the power flow switching off on to the load a light lamp outlet ceiling fan etc now a typical circuit will contain a 3 wire cable known as romex. The simple explanation is that a 2 wire system does not include a neutral wire at the light switch the 3 wire system does include the neutral at the switch. It should also help in understanding the functions of each type of switch.
The cable consist of a black wire a white wire and a bare copper wire. You are most likely to see this 2 way lighting circuit in an industrial commercial setting where the installation is trunking conduit based and single core conductors are used. Install the correct electrical boxes.
The switches may be arranged so that they are in the same orientation for off and contrasting orientations for on. They are wired so that operation of either switch will control the light. This is the first method to make a 2 way switching connection this is the old method.
The l1 terminals of both the switches are connected to line or phase or live of the ac supply. Firstly what do we mean by 2 wire and 3 wire systems. As you see in the 2 way switch diagram below you will find that the phase live is connected with the common of the first 2 way switch.
One end of the bulb is connected with the common terminal of the second switch and another. How to wire 3 way light switch step by step step 1. 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.