This page describes how to use 3-Way Wires Switch Circuits Diagram to control lights from two different nodes or locations.
A light or lights can be controlled by more than one switch. The usual practice in home construction is to use 3-way switches. “3-way” is the electrician’s designation for a single pole double throw switch.
The switches must create a complete circuit for current to flow and the bulb to light. When both switches are up, the circuit is complete (top right). When both switches are down, the circuit is complete (bottom right). If one switch is up and one is down, the current reaches a dead end, no current flows and the bulb is off (top left and bottom left).
Note that the above color scheme does NOT reflect wire color. It is functional coloring intended to illustrate the voltage state of each wire segment.
- Red indicates a hot wire (120 volts ac).
- Green indicates a neutral wire at ground potential.
- Blue indicates a wire that is floating. “Floating” here means isolated from hot and neutral by switches and/or light bulbs.
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