3 way light switch wiring
cond1972
Reg. May 2008
Posted 2009-01-08 11:53 PM (#97184)
Subject: 3 way light switch wiring


Member


Posts: 7

Location: Texas
I am trying to wire the lights in a diy so I can turn the lights on/off from two locations. I have 2 - 3 way rv butterfly switches, center prong showing positive of which I've connected wire from breaker/fuse box at the door switch, a black wire on the top prong going to the lights ending at the switch by the head board also on the top prong, then a red wire going from switch to switch on the bottom prong. I can control the lights from the the first switch at the door but don't have any control at the second switch at the headboard. The lights have 2 wires coming out of them, one black and one white I have wired the black to the black wire going to the top prong of both switches, the white I have wired together and grounded to the frame.  Any help, idea's, or suggestions would be appreciated

Edited by cond1972 2009-01-09 12:19 AM
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gard
Reg. Aug 2007
Posted 2009-01-09 8:49 AM (#97188 - in reply to #97184)
Subject: RE: 3 way light switch wiring


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Posts: 5870
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Location: western PA

Try this:

http://www.homeimprovementweb.com/information/how-to/three-way-switch.htm

Gard

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Turfa
Reg. Mar 2004
Posted 2009-01-09 8:52 AM (#97189 - in reply to #97184)
Subject: RE: 3 way light switch wiring


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Posts: 171
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Location: Henderson, TN 38340

How many connection points do you have on these switches?  Three way switches have three contact points. 

Turfa

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whinneyman
Reg. Oct 2007
Posted 2009-01-09 6:32 PM (#97225 - in reply to #97184)
Subject: RE: 3 way light switch wiring


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Posts: 27
25
Location: Mi.

Power to center on one switch, light to center on other switch, other 2 terminals wired from one switch to the other, ( travellers), top to top, bottom to bottom, or top to bottom, no matter. Sounds like you have lighjt connected to a "traveller" wire, Of course the other light wire connected to a good ground to complete the circuit. The switches are "single pole double throw". In theory each switch will connect the center terminal to one or the other outside terminal, with the battery connected to one switch it will power one of the two travellers depending on switch position, the other switch connected to the light will power the light from the energised traveller or no power will flow if switched to the unpowered one. Hope you can visualise this circuit.

Whinneyman  

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cond1972
Reg. May 2008
Posted 2009-01-10 10:35 AM (#97247 - in reply to #97184)
Subject: RE: 3 way light switch wiring


Member


Posts: 7

Location: Texas
Thanks for the input. Got it working with your help. Thanks again.
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