Install a 3 way Light Switch ~ In 60 Seconds
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- čas přidán 6. 10. 2021
- Today I'll show you how to Install a 3 way light switch in a 60 second #short video. Wiring two 3 way light switches to control one or more lights from two locations is really quite easy. I'll show you the most common method which is when the feed enters one box and the light exits the second box.
Electrical box at switch #1 will have the following:
-14/2 cable with a black/white/bare wire power feed to the box.
-14/3 cable with a black/red/white/bare wire between switch boxes.
Electrical box at switch #2 will have the following:
-14/2 cable with a black/white/bare wire to the light(s).
-14/3 cable with a black/red/white/bare wire between switch boxes.
Connections: (box #1)
-White wires tie together with a wire nut or other approved connection.
-Bare ground wires tie together with a wire nut or other approved connection with a tail left which connects to the green screw on the switch.
-Black feeder wire connects to the common (black) screw on the switch.
- Red and Black wires between switch boxes (travelers) connect to the two bronze screws on the switch.
Connections: (box #2)
-White wires tie together with a wire nut or other approved connection.
-Bare ground wires tie together with a wire nut or other approved connection with a tail left which connects to the green screw on the switch.
-Black wire to the lights connects to the common (black) screw on the switch.
- Red and Black wires between switch boxes (travelers) connect to the two bronze screws on the switch. - Jak na to + styl
I learned in 60 seconds what someone takes 8 minutes to say ! Thanks 🙏
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching...
@BackyardMaine you really make everything so simple. One of the best on YT.
@@BackyardMaine mine only has 1 black wire, what do I do?
@@Cosmic24242 Sound like you may have a dead end 3-way. I have a long form video where I talk about that. It's called how not to wire light switches.
@@BackyardMaine so my electrician messed it up? My light switch will only work like 10% of the time.
Finally someone that knows what’s their doing, no extra slack and crazy service loops and no drills twisting the shit out of the wires
3 ways are very useful and there are so many ways to wire them up depending on your situation.
I've juggled so many wires. Finally this video said it perfectly.
Thank you for discouraging backstabbing
I love your instructions. Please keep teaching us.
I love how you tell them DIY joes not to use those stupid backstabs...
Don't you love when Electrians get their panties in a bundle when someone doesn't do something thats up to code. And then when something IS code approved they still cry and complain😂
Why not? It works
Using an impact to tighten screws on a switch/receptacle takes practice. I won't allow apprentices to use them.
I love using the holes at the back I had no failure points no sparks
This is easier to understand with drawings. Or schematic to visualize what it happening.
You're right. I'll put together a video with some drawings showing how this is done.
Never found the need to tighten side screws with a screw gun. Mounting screws sure. Milwaukee makes a dedicated screwdriver for square centered spade headed screws. Extremely useful.
I have a screwdriver made by Ideal that's specifically made for devices. I can't remember what they call it but it combines the square head, flat head and phillips and it fits perfectly into the side screws. Probably the same as the Milwaukee.
@@BackyardMaine ECX bit
It's faster and if you have a variable trigger gun (which most are nowadays), it's super easy to not strip the screws out.
@@BackyardMaine
I have the same one. Works great. I think that Klein makes one too
Use a Roberson tip
Easy learn this about 30 yrs Ago thanks for sharing buddy 💯
I’m in electrical trade school learning commercial & residential wiring right now and this video was very helpful and quick
Great to hear. It's a really good trade. I have a lot of electrical content and I make more every week. Check out my playlist electrical shorts or five minute electrical videos.
What about the other black wire
He didn't show it, but he stated in the video that the other black wire is a traveler and connects to the other bronze screw.
Your the man. I appreciate how easy you made this for me. Other video were long and confusing.
That’s awesome. I’m glad I was able to help. I have lots of other DIY videos on my channel that me interest you. Thanks for watching!
@BackyardMaine your travelers have to be paired. So it's easiest to do so with using the same screw. If you reverse your travelers only one switch will work try it out
It doesn't matter which traveler screw the travelers are on. It will still work normally. The only thing you need to make sure of is that the feed/switch leg goes on the black terminal only.
@ayeitsshane806
You explain soo easy thank you
Happy to help!
Thank you. Straight to the point! Subscribed! ✊❤️
Welcome..
As a fellow Mainer and master electrician who just discovered your channel keep up the good work my friend
Thank you my friend.
Thank you so much!!!!
My pleasure. I have several longer videos on 3-way switches that go into much more detail.
I like the way you explain all the process! 👍
Thank you! I really appreciate that..
Yep and a 4 way goes in between the 2.
You are correct if you have three or more locations
I needed this video yesterday lol I figured it out after a hour or 2
Bummer, I have lots of electrical content.
Good job
Hell yes. Thank you.
You bet! Thanks for watching.
The wire nut that on the ground is crazy
It really is a nut isn’t it 😂
thanks very good information
I have the sam switch but mine don't have the ground screw I tried to put a ground in one of them but I couldn't it looks to me like it doesn't have the threads for it
Thanks
Thank you!
You bet! Thanks for watching.
great video, thanks
Glad you enjoyed it. 👍
Thank you very much
You are welcome. Thanks for watching
You have to have a minimum of 2-3ways in any multi switch configuration. You can control a load from 10 different locations as long as you have 2-3ways and 8-4ways in the 10 switch configuration. All configurations have to start with a three-way switch and end with a three-way switch.
Yup..
Three ways are only used from two locations or THE END of more locations (everything in between is a 4-way)
Of course..
I like that royalty man and this video really helped me a lot
Thank you! So glad to help.
By any chance you have a little bit longer version? Where one could see both ends being hooked up?
I will put together a video on this soon my friend. Be sure to subscribe and hit the bell so you won't miss it. I'll detail what to do at each location as well as the wiring method when the power in and light are in the same box which is a bit different but not complicated.
As well as the light fixture
You have a black terminal screw on every 3way switch. On one side u will have a power wire that goes to black screw. On other switch it is now the switch leg that will go on black screw. Basically if newer const. U have a wired sheath with 2 conductors. Black/White
U also have a wired sheath with 3 conductors. Black/White/Red.
That 2 conductor wire Black conductor will land on black screw on both side. Whites tie together as being neutrals. Leaving u the black/red from 3 conductor sheath. These are the traveler wires in both boxes that will land on Brass screws.
@@craigstanton4803sometimes you don't get the red three conductor in old construction and have to use white..😂😂
Wagos are the best connections right now so easy.
3 way switches control lights from 2 locations or more you said. True, however if more you'd need 4 way switches in between if it's 3 or more locations.
Of course.
This took me soooo long to completely understand while I was in my apprenticeship till I physically put wires in my hands and watched the whole thing actually work in an open shop area really work I finally "Got it" 😅💥🤛
Excellent!
Your awesome bro great teacher
Thank you my friend. 👍
I wish all 3-way switches were wired like this.
There are a few different methods depending... I'll make a longer video with a lot more detail showing all possible methods.
Not all three way switches are wired the same. You might need to remove the fixture and identify which lines are travelers and commons.
True this is one way and probably the most common. I going to make a video show all the possible options at some point but it won't be a short.
coast 3 way?
U just made this look extremely easy and all other videos had me looking like a dear in headlights
Awesome! I'm glad I was able to help. I have lots more how to videos on my channel if you want to check them out. You can subscribe here is you like. It's free. czcams.com/channels/dOuZ0bxeSxA8ZAHttc0U-w.html
I always wondered how that worked. Very informative and easy to do.
Thank you!
I crossed hot wire with a traveler black , imagine my embarrassment, thank you for clearing up a 5 year mistake... 🤔✌️🙏💪😧
It can get challenging troubleshooting an existing installation (especially if it was wired incorrectly). E.g., maybe the travelers go through the light outlet box (and change color coding). Maybe the travelers go to the other switch then back to the first, then up to the light outlet. But since it's an existing installation you can't see the wires in the walls, so you have to analyze it logically to deduce what's what.
You are correct. We I find an improperly wired three ways I disconnect all the wires on the switches and ring them out. Sometimes it's also necessary to disconnect the light if the issue is there.
Thanks man, thanks to u I was able to use this video while taking a test about it and I passed
I’m glad it helped
Never use those stab terms. those are for alum. wire. HAhaha
Show us what a California three way is. hehe
That's a great video Idea.. Im going to add that to my list. I was thinking of showing a few different ways to wire a three way but I forgot about that method where the hot and switched leg are on both ends.. Thanks
I have to recommend you explain the second switch wiring to people who may not know, saying it’s “much like the first” may not explain enough.
One thing I’d also like to see more inclusion of in 3-way wiring is how to do it when your feed and your switch leg to the light come into the same box, every video focuses on the feed to one switch, switch leg to the other arrangement. Sometimes your switch leg and your feed come into the same box - explain using the neutral of your 14/3 as a hot to send power to the common (black) terminal of the separate switch (encourage taping of the white with black tape so you can tell it’s where it should be).
Good point thank you.. I am very limited on time with youtube shorts. I can only cram so much into a 60 second video. I will be making a long form video explaining everything including all three possible ways to wire a 3 way switch very soon. Stay tuned.
@@BackyardMaine yes, do that! If you’re doing a longer form video, I’d also take the time to explain the difference between how it’s all wired when the hot feed and switch leg come to the same work box, versus when the hot feed comes into one box for one switch but the switch leg goes out of the box of the other. Most videos seem to focus on the second arrangement, I guess it’s easier to explain and harder to mess up. Take the time you have in a longer video to explain black-taping the neutral of the 3-wire traveler cable and tying it in with the hot feed pigtail. Emphasize that the neutral is used as a hot feed to immediately send power from the first box to the second. Also helpful is to explain why it helps to imagine this arrangement as the same thing as the other, just “sent to the other switch first.” The reason for it is because you’re treating the neutral as a hot in the next box, but from there the wiring is done all the same as in the other case: hot feed to common terminal (wire just happens to be white now), red and black are your travelers as usual and go to the brass pins, and then at the next box you mirror those travelers on the brass pins and your switch leg on the common terminal.
You can make a short video that covers it all really well and answers people’s common questions by just being that easy to understand.
I feel like you left that one screw horizontal just to mess with the electricians😂
You do know that youtube considers comments as engagement and engagement helps with the video performance. 🧐 like a fox my friend.. 😂
Good eyes 👀
Lol he idk why but I caught that too
I was watching carefully, but unable to see where you plug the black wire that travel between the switches, If you don’t mind please ?
If you’re not an electrician and try this, make sure you update your Will before doing so
You should only do what you're comfortable with.
First time I seen a through hole ground nut.
I like them..
Great job. I always hated these when the feed and light are in the same box, and they used one of the white wires (in the 3-wire cord) as a traveler, especially when they don't mark it. Then you have to trace everything out.
I always try to wire it as power feed in one box and light in the other but sometimes it doesn't work out that way.
I do the same but like you say sometimes it just makes more sense to have both at the same location. I'm going to make a longer video showing all the different ways they can be wired including having more than two locations with a 4-way in the middle. I just started a new series call 5 minute electrical videos. Thanks for your support!
@@BackyardMaine ooooh 4-way switches. I'm looking forward to your new series. You make amazing videos
@@pileggitech Thank you my friend. I love hearing when people enjoy my videos. It motivates me to keep going..
Thank you boss its been 3 days i call every electrician friend to help me to connect a 3 way switch they all telling the were busy know I can do it by myself
Glad I could help. Just be sure to turn off the power first.
More than two locations require 4-way or "reversing switch" between the 3 way switches. It is not limited to two locations.
Of course... But you still need the two 3-ways or have you come up with some new technology.. So my statement was correct. Two or more locations.
The first step always is to turn off the power at the breaker panel.
In your video on breaker replacement, like your method unscrewing the wire wigh the breaker turned on and your screw driver's metal shaft resting on your finger.
Not my video.. I don't have a video on breakers yet.
I was taught to never use a power drill to tighten the screws because you can crack the device.
If you're not experienced then that's true.. I've been doing it for years and have never had an issue.
Drills have a clutch that can be set quite low…
How do you get the three wires to identify themselves and split off like that?
Know what you ran and how it ran
How do u know which one is power between the two hots
The red and black wires between the two switches are travelers and will be in the 3-wire cable. On either end you will also have a 2-wire with a black and white only. One side will be your feed and the other side will go to the light. There are other possible configurations as well. For example you could have both the feed and the load in the same box with just a 3-wire between switches. I have to make a long form video with the time to show all three possible configurations and how to wire each one.
Finish wire arrangement on second switch with light
Shorts are limited to 60 seconds.
Good short, the only thing left out is to make sure your travelers are landed to the same terminations (same golden screw on each switch) and the switch leg goes on the black screw where the power went on the other switch.
it doesn’t matter which screws the travelers go on as long as you have your commons right
@mugsanddust1347 it only matters for troubleshooting so you know which wire is which.
Lol not be a dick, have you ever troubleshoot a 3 way that one switch didn't work when the other was off. That's reversed travelers
@ayeitsshane806 you can't reverse travelers. They'll operate the same no matter what position you put them in on the switch. What you're talking is someone mixing up the traveler for the hot or switch leg.
You should show how to do a dead end three way great example
I going to put together a video showing all the (three ways) a 3-way can be wired depending on the location of your feed wire and your load. It's going to be a fun video.
Kudos for using the screws, but you need much tighter loops, your wires are just grabbing the tail, ya need to make them fit tightly around the screw, so all the exposed wire is under the screw.
Closing the loop just makes it difficult for the next guy. Making a J-hook gives 270 degrees of contact which is what the manufacturers recommend. PS: I have been a licensed electrician and an electrical engineer for four decades.
I always remember the black 12/2 wire goes on the black screw.
Okay
Looking for a reason to use a 4-way switch I recently picked up. What application would that be best for?
You use 4-ways when you have three or more switch locations. If you had 3 locations the 4-way would be between two 3-ways.
As someone who twists their grounds by hand (I take the longest bare, throw it back over facing the other way, and twist them all together, throwing a tan, or big red on it!), so that ground, with that twist and the ground leg, it just all gives me anxiety
I find them handy for videos because I take them all apart after recording.
It took me about 50times studying your work, and I finally got the hang of it.!!
Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us all…!!
Glad it helped! Thanks for watching.
So where does the black cable from the 3 way goes? On the other side of the switch? I know you placed the black feed on the same side as the red cable. ?? Thanks
Looking at two 3-way switches you would have two wires (usually black/red) connect to both switches as travelers (same color screws) The black wire in one box would be the feed and the black wire in the other would go to the light. These wires would connect to the remaining terminal on the switch. The white (neutral) and the ground are spliced together in the boxes to complete the circuit. There are other situations as well where the feed and the light are in the same box which would require another method of wiring. I'll do a longer video soon demonstrating each method.
Thanks for the easy guide. Super helpful 👍
Glad I was able to help Steve. Thanks for watching
It ain't a race. Do it right, the rest will take care of itself
Of course that’s why I went slow.
In New construction, what if I have 6 recessed ceiling lights in between 2 switches? This video does not apply, correct?
It does. The load side of the switch would then daisy chain to the six lights
you should always get into the habit of red on the right doesn't mean much here but start adding 4way switches and you will thank me
I have wired thousands of 4 way switches. The travelers between 3 ways and 4 ways can be reversed. It doesn’t matter at all so I’m not sure what you’re referring too
Do you make those ground connections by drilling a hole in them or can I buy them that way?
No those come that way. I’ll Dona video on grousing options coming up soon.
Multiple different ways for 3 way switch applications....
Just a few actually but this was a short. 60 seconds max
What is the reason for not using the holes to connect wires to the back of the switch? Thanks!
They can be used and they are listed but from my experience they are unreliable over time. The screw connections will give you an installation that will last for decades. I have a couple of videos about the back stab connections.
Hi Sir, You mentioned not to use the holes. is there any reason behind that.....using the hole or the screws both are same right??? ....thanks for the simple explanation
I find them unreliable. I have this video where I go into details.. czcams.com/video/e_C_twh5fQE/video.html
They operate the same way, but the stab ins can loosen over time, resulting in a faulty connection.
Ground first! Just get in the habit. First to make last to break!
That’s a good habit but I alway work with the power off so it wouldn’t matter.
Try it the way it used to be done. Both 3-ways are dead ends and no 2 wire is used at all. All the splicing is done in the light box and the neutral is on the switch. It's super confusing and I do my best to not use Google when I do run into them.
I think I make a long form video showing all the possible ways to wire a three way switch. I think people will find that helpful
Take the hot and neutral to the light take both 3wires to the light less wire less time easier to yrouble shoot if needed later
I need to make a longer video explaining all the possible ways to wire a 3-way.
Silly me Thinking he was going show wiring both switches
Time limited on shorts. I have a whole series of long form videos on the several ways to wire 3-way and 4-way switches.
You shot thru wiring of the three lugs so fast most can't follow .. .and didnt explain that both red and black where travelers ..😂
I'll make a longer video which will be much slower so everyone can understand. Its really tough when I'm limited to 60 seconds.
@@BackyardMaine watch it again . And take out all the unneeded talking and spend less time on the stripping wires and bending them .. talk faster
American terminations are scary.
The fact that those trim screws aren't straight up and down is driving me nuts. A 1st year apprentice knows that...
Can a first year apprentice identify a demo video. Why else would I install the device and cover with no drywall. Think before you comment
@@BackyardMaine
The device and cover could very easily be in an unfinished basement or garage, seen plenty of those without drywall or insulation, especially garages.
Great informative video. Thank you for posting
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.
What cable number is used for bathroom and bedroom connections?
The cable is sized to the circuit. For example for a 20A circuit (20A breaker) you would run 12AWG NMC or ROMEX. A 15A circuit would be run in 14AWG NMC. Its very important to pay attention to there requirements. A 20A circuit with 14AWG wire could pose a fire hazard.
Thank you for not backstabbing the outlet.
If youre an outlet backstabber, you're a hack.
I agree..
Absolutely don't use the backstabs they often fail under heavier loads!
So I have to ask about backstabs….if they are as bad/dangerous as people say why does the NEC let them still be used?
I don't think they're extremely dangerous but they are very unreliable. Especially when through wired through the device rather than pigtailed. The surface area of the spring connection is very small and over time it can arc and begin to fail. Some do get hot and Ive seen charing and melting but I've never seen one cause a fire. Yet..
And line in should always be on top.
Actually not. It doesn't matter on a light switch. There's no code requirement, no standard practice, and makes no functional difference. Line on top for disconnect switches though. 38 years in the electrical business.
How many 4-way switches can I connect to the 3-ways
As many as needed. Three locations would be two 3-ways and one 4-way. Four locations would be two 3-ways and two 4-ways and so on.
U made the deviated in 2 colors but the in and out are the same color ?
I record a longer form video explaining everything in more detail.
Don’t ever use a drill or impact to screw in wires
They should only be used by people who know how to use them without damaging the device. I'm a licensed electrician and an electrical engineer. I know what I'm doing.
@Backyard Maine and there you have it Swift Revenge....he's an expert and you're not...😂
Thank you for not back loading
Power from the 14-3 or 12-2? Unclear as this is my first time working with 14-3
You will want to use the same gauge wire on the whole circuit. #14 for a 15A circuit and #12 for a 20A circuit. Having said that the power will come in a the 14-2, the travelers between boxes on the 14-3 and switch leg, neutral and ground to the light.
Ah man wish I would have found this last week. Haa
My channel focus is DIY and some of the content is 60 second videos on some basic electrical tasks. I plan to get some longer more detailed electrical content up soon. Thanks for watching!
Hello when wiring a ceiling fan and both (red &black) wires are hot and one switch is a 3 way & the other is single...can I tie them both together? Because one is left hanging...Thanks
Usually a ceiling fan will have a switched wire for the fan and another for the light. Your 3 way most likely feeds the light while the other wire is for the fan. So one wire to the light the other to the fan. Hope that makes sense.
@@BackyardMaine It does make sense but that wire is not there. This fan has a remote to it. I took a picture of the one I took down and it has just what you say but I have one wire that is hot just hanging. LOL I guess i'm stuck
@@jamalcompton379 Sorry without seeing it I’m not sure what you have there.
Always hook up ground screw first.. preesh
If you're in the habit of working live or you're an apprentice then yes. If you work dead circuits and have 4 decades of experience maybe it's not very important.
I’m uk electrician, find it so strange how USA does it
Yes we are all different aren't we.
Same for us looking at your wiring which looks awfully expensive...😂
Sooooo you skipped a part. Where is the other black wire go. Opposite screw of red??
Maybe watch it again. I showed you where all the wires get connected.
What about the built in wire stripers? Is it safe to use them?
I have a video on that as well. Actually it's my most popular short to date at 4 million views. It is safe but it's really a gimmick or a one off use in a pinch. I recommend wire strippers. I'll have a video out on wire strippers in a few days.
Lol a lot of people don't know what I'm talking about when I ask them that.... I only use the striper to show other people. I will check out that video
Now explain the two "or more" locations? Two is easy. But more?
I’ll make a video on when we need a 4 way switch and how to wire them up.
Yup
Thanks!