Electrical Basics ~ Residential Wiring Diagrams

Wiring Diagrams ~ Switched And Powered 3 Way...

In some cases, switching and powering a three way switch, from one switch is preferred. Such as a stair landing or the end of a hallway.

Here, power comes in and the black/hot wire is connected to the "common" screw. The neutral/white wire will tie through to the light. Connected to the neutral/white wire, that is ran with the switch leg.

The 3-wire travelers, will run to the other three way switch. This is called a "dead end three way". Connect the red and black wires to the brass screws. Do this at both ends. Then, connect the white wire to the "common" screw on the "dead end switch". At the other end, connect the white wire, from the traveler, to the black/hot wire of the 2-wire switch leg. Connect the fixture to the switch leg, color to color.

Note: You'll need to re identify the white wire, from the travelers, that was used to send power to the fixture.



Wiring Diagrams ~ Switched And Powered 4 Way...

In this example, you have a four way switch, that is both switched and powered, in the same box.

Power comes in on the black/hot wire. It connects to the re identified white wire of the travelers, going to the "dead end 3 way" on the right. As usual, the neutral/white wire will tie through to the fixture, on the switch leg.

The other travelers, will head to the "dead end 3 way" on the left. The black and red wires will connect to the brass screws on the three way, while the re identified white wire will hit the "common" screw. Back at the four way switch, the white wire, will connect to the black/hot wire, of the switch leg.

Wire the three way on the right, as you would a "dead end 3 way". Connect the fixture to the switch leg, color to color.