How to Wire 2 3-Way Switches to 2 Lights

Three-way switches and three-connector cable provide the easiest and fastest solution to separate switches for the same light. A three-way switch works by using three terminals: a common terminal for the power wire and two terminals for the traveling wires. The switch connects power to one traveler when it is up and the other traveler when it is down. Follow the steps below to insure proper connections.

Things You'll Need

• Voltage tester Three-way switch cable Pliers Screwdriver Wire stripper/cutter Insulated wire nuts

Instructions

Instructions

1. Disconnect power to the circuit and run the two-connector cable from the service panel to the first switch, three-connector cable from the first switch to the second switch and two-connector cable from the second switch to both lights.

2. Connect the black wire from the service panel to the dark-colored common terminal on the first switch. Splice the white wire from the service panel to the white wire of the traveler.

3. Cut a piece of copper ground wire and connect one end to the green screw on the switch and splice the other end with the ground wires from the panel and the traveler. Connect the red and black traveler wires to the remaining terminals on the switch.

4. Connect the red and black wires from the traveling cable to the traveling terminals on the second switch. Cut another piece of copper wire, connecting one end to the ground screw and splicing the other end with the other two ground wires. Splice the white traveler to the white wire going to the lights. Connect the black wire for the lights to the dark-colored common terminal on the switch.

5. Splice all the black wires together at the first light: the one from the switch, the one from the light, and the one going to the second light. Do the same with the white wires and the copper ground wires.

6. Connect the wires at the second light: black to black, white to white, ground to ground. Wire nuts must be well-fastened on all splices and no bare wires are to be exposed. Turn the power back on to test the connections.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to disconnect power to the circuit before beginning work.

Resources

• Wiring Diagram for Two Switches and Two Lights