How To Wire A 3-Way Switch System Explained! (2022) | Video For Beginners DIY Step By Step Tutorial!

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SKIP TO THE SECTION OF THE VIDEO YOU NEED!
Tools You Need - 2:00
Method #1 - Light Fixture End-Of-Run (Power going to light switches first) - 8:10
Method #2 - Light Fixture Start-Of-Run (Power going to light fixture first) - 24:50
Method #3 - Light Fixture Middle-Of-Run (Power going to light switches first) - 45:30
On today's episode I'm going to show you how to wire a 3-way switch system explained updated for this year 2022! This is video is best for DIY beginners who need a step by step tutorial breaking down every step to the detail! I know there are a lot of videos out there explaining this, but it just gets too confusing, so I broke it down so that you can understand and follow along EASILY as a Do it Yourself Beginner 101!
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DISCLAIMER:
This video is meant for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only! To better your knowledge on the concepts of electricity, electrical circuitry, entertainment component circuitry and all other wiring methods. Electrical codes in my area may be different from yours so always make sure you follow and stay current with your local code. With different codes around the world constantly changing standards, regulations and rules, it is the sole responsibility of the viewer to educate themselves on their local requirements before undertaking any sort of project. That being said Fix This House cannot claim liability with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulation for a project. DO NOT ATTEMPT ANY WIRING OF ANY KIND if you lack the knowledge and understanding required. Otherwise, personal injury and/or death as well as property damage or loss could occur. Your safety is your own responsibility, including proper use of equipment and safety gear, and determining whether you have adequate skill and experience. If you are a younger person or are inexperienced with electrical devices, ask for help from a parent, teacher or a licensed professional.
WARNING- Electricity is dangerous and can cause personal injury or DEATH as well as other property loss or damage if not used or constructed properly. If you have any doubts whatsoever about performing do-it-yourself electrical work, PLEASE do the smart thing and hire a qualified and licensed electrician to perform the work for you.NEVER WORK WITH LIVE VOLTAGE. Always disconnect the power source before working with electrical circuits.When performing electrical work, ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURERS INSTRUCTIONS AND SAFETY GUIDELINES. Always follow your local electrical code and requirements which are specific to local areas.By utilizing this video and the information given, YOU are expressly holding "FIX THIS HOUSE" HARMLESS FOR ANY PROPERTY DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR DEATH, OR ANY OTHER LOSS OR DAMAGE THAT MAY RESULT FROM YOUR ACTIONS. Viewers must be aware by doing projects on their homes they are doing it at their own risk and Fix This House cannot be held liable if they cause any damage to their homes. Fix This House and all parties associated with it ARE NOT responsible for the use and results of this information by any party, especially those lacking sufficient skill or knowledge to perform these steps safely and ANY HAZARD CREATED IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE USER.
DISCLAIMER: This video contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.
#3wayswitch #electricalswitch #Circuit

[@wsamharris9261]

Thank you for this video. I am a 70 year old female that needed to wire workshop lights in my she shed. After watching video several times and taking notes, my lights worked flawlessly the first time around. Very easy to understand your instructions.

[@FixThisHouse]

I’m glad I could be of help and great job! I’m so happy for your project success! 🙏🏽😊🙌🏽

[@silekiernanphotography]

@wsamharris9261 Electricity doesn't care about your gender or your age.

[@deadmanswife3625]

@@silekiernanphotography 🙄

[@57matters]

@@FixThisHouse😊😅mi

[@TheDanzman1211]

Ang galing! Bilib na ako! Salamat!

[@augustthurmer6972]

From a teacher to another, if you are not an instructor in a Tech. school, you should be. You have a wonderful way of presenting by making something that might be complicated into something that is easy to accomplish. Thank you for taking the time to teach us about wiring 3 way switches. August Thurmer

[@ellispalomec]

Great video I learned so much

[@joebly5641]

Agreed. Electric has to be the hardest easy thing in the trades. So frustrating. At first I was thinking this guy talked to much but as I listened I realized it takes a lot of talking to simplify it for people like me. The Wago connectors way to damn expensive though. There is a reason why wire nuts been used forever simple and works great if it nstslled correctly . Does cut down on time for sure though .

[@adrianleahy29]

​@@joebly5641sounds like the right way to me good job of explaining

[@sarcasticj3107]

Best instructor I've ever seen. Patient and thorough.

[@tjhansen7320]

Amen!

[@WeddArt11]

My husband and I have been watching videos trying to figure out how to wire our old house. I have been so confused i didn't want to watch any more. Then he put your video on and wow, i think even I could do it! You are an amazing teacher! Thank you. We have subscribed 🎉

[@FixThisHouse]

I’m glad I could be of help! I wish you the best on your project! Thank you so much for the meaningful comment! Really means a lot! Thank you! 🙏🏽😊

[@canuckfan2012]

Wow! Sometimes we come across an instructor who can make what we have struggled with for years seem so simple. You are a gifted man. I love how you repeat yourself. Some of us need that. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and understanding with us.

[@sarcasticj3107]

THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST 3 WAY WIRE VIDEO I HAVE EVER SEEN. EVEN AN IGNORAMOUS LIKE ME CAN NOW WIRE A 3 WAY SWITCH IN MULTIPLE WAYS. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

[@FixThisHouse]

I’m glad I could be of help! 🙏🏽😊

[@jlopez766]

"Ignoramous", that's funny af😂

[@solaceofflame]

I love seeing someone giving electrical advice on KZbin and giving great, in depth, code-compliant information. Far too often you get bad advice that can lead to injury or worse. Thank you for knowing and teaching the proper way to approach diy work.

[@bowlineobama]

You are a good teacher. You are not talking too much. I like the way you teach. A suggestion. Since the 14/3 white wire from top connecting to the light fixture is never used and you are taping it with black tape to the second 14/3 white wire at the second switch, why not connect the first 14/3 white wire at the top to the power source (which is the black wire from 14/2)) and tape the white wire with the black tape like you did on the second 14/3 white wire at the second switch. This way, the color of power wire is consistent all the way to the first switch at the end, except for the black wire from the power source (14/2 black wire). That means the 14/3 red wire at the light fixture will not be used at all. This way, the black wire (14/2 black wire) is connected to black-taped white wires all the way to the first switch. This will make it much clearer at the end. The way you have it right now is that you have three different color wires coming from the power source (14/2 cable): Black, Red and then Black-taped White. It would be better Black wire (from 14/2 power source) connecting black-taped white wires (14/3 wires) all the way to the last switch.

[@Lonerider191]

Hmmm, maybe I'm missing something here, but since one wire of the 14/3 from the light fixture to the 1st 3-way is not used, you actually only need to use 14/2 wire. Then just add black tape to (both ends of) the white wire going down to the switch, since it will be hot. Please correct me if I'm not looking at this right. These are very thorough and detailed videos for 3-way switch installation. Excellent work!

[@wuddayameen]

@@Lonerider191 I was wondering the same thing (Method 2). Why use 3-wire from light to first switch when 1 wire (white) is not used?

[@Lonerider191]

@@wuddayameen OK. I think I have this figured out. NEC 404.2 requires a neutral at the light switch. This requirement was tightened up in 2023. This now basically means that a switch loop is not allowed (from the fixture down to the switch) using the neutral as a hot connection. The solution is that 3 wire cable must be used so that there is a hot, hot return and a neutral at the light switch. I think this was originally added some time back due to the proliferation of electronic devices (e.g. motion switches) that could be installed at the switch box but that actually have to have a neutral wire to work.

[@koogle612]

Ive built homes for 23 yrs now fiddled w electrical but only wired 1 house during which I learned a ton working with the electrician. Im so impressed by your clear instruction that Im subscribing. I will be expanding my small electrical kit to include a few of your tool recommendations. Very well done. Do more pls.

[@jakeallen8631]

I don't comment much but just wanna say thanks for such a complete in depth video. I'm also a visual learner and this was exactly what I needed. Thank you

[@twodogs91]

Thank you so much! I studied probably more than a dozen web sources trying to understand this very subject. Your's is by far the absolute best, handsdown, not even close. Very thorough, covers all the options, well organized, repeats major points, yet no wasted time, no hemming and hawing, great professional presentation all around. Thank you.

[@deadmanswife3625]

Sparky is good.

[@JemberBekele]

I knowww Right isn't he!! I agree!

[@parsonbrown4660]

You do NOT talk too much. In fact, for a novice like me, your videos are crystal clear, thorough, and very encouraging. After watching this video, I was able to plan the best way to wire the circuit and carry it out - slowly but safely. Thank you.

[@tangsiwei1]

Great vid! For the second method, from the light to the first switch, 14/2 romex can be used instead of 14/3 romex.

[@bradybrewer5233]

That is what I thought. Thank you.

[@Krunch2020]

Not according to code. You must have a ground wire in at least one switch box for modern electronic switches. You will definitely need 14/3.

[@adamevans998]

@@Krunch2020 So it would be fair to say that maybe the explanation given in the video regarding the use of 14/3 cable down to the switch box isn't as clear as it needs to be.

[@konyangosnr]

@@adamevans998 my thiking also. if you are to consider cost of the project in a real life situation I would be wiring lets say a corridor 100m in length. then using the 14/3 then having the loner terminated within the first switch box, would it be more economical if you were to use a 14/2 earthed as you used in the first method between the two switch box then have the neutral wire not coming from our light fixture. kindly clarify

[@cphilipski]

Finally, after 25 yrs of dealing with the 3 way switches in my house that were never wired correctly, I have them all working perfectly because of this video. Thank you so much for explaining so that virtually anyone can understand.

[@Nilloc_2002]

This is by far the best explanation of the 3-way switch I have ever seen. I am now confident about how to install this circuit and not having to move wires around until it works correctly. Thank you so much!

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank so much for the feedback! I’m glad I could be of help! 😊🙏🏽

[@kennethli8]

You say that again!!!

[@Indeewoods]

THANK YOU!!!!!!! So I have been fighting with my three way switch for a few days now off and on. I watched several videos and not one showed all 3 methods most showed one way or two ways only. I happened to have #3 with the light in the middle and the 3 way switched at each end. It would work off of both switched but only if the other switch was on or off I couldn’t make it work each time from Both ends no matter the switch possions. The issue was my white traveler wire was hooked up to the light instead of the main hot wire coming from the first switch. This video solved my issue these lights have never worked for the last 13 years so once again I really appreciate the vid. Subscribed!!!

[@vpscorekeeper2008]

Like all the other comments I agree that your presentation style is thorough yet easy to grasp the concept. I too am an older (78) guy having rewired an entire 14 room Victorian, I still needed a refresher course. Thanks! Great job!

[@robderue9246]

Absolute fantastic instructional video! If you are not an instructor for an electrician school, you damn well should be! Well done sir!

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much Rob! Your feedback means a lot! 🙏🏽😊

[@robderue9246]

@@FixThisHouse And too funny, I actually put your method to work today in my big shop, and worked perfectly first shot! I started a 30 x 40 x 16 but the contractor screwed me over so I am having to do the electrical myself

[@ericantonucci3989]

You are a excellent teacher You explain things that people can understand 3 way switches have always been hard to understand depending on where the power source is coming from but you explained it in a way that's understandable Thanks for taking the time to teach!!

[@rfal883]

You're not talking too much, you're reviewing everything which makes it easier to understand well.. Thank you!!!

[@clydejohnson2333]

I'm sure that somewhere in the distant future, several lights years away, someone will come up with an easier explanation. But for the next couple of thousands of years, this will have to do! Superb video. You are a Godsend!

[@HSNart-of8qe]

So helpful!! Thank you! No one has ever explained the info in the J box even in beginner’s videos.

[@eddiemiri4390]

Hands down, one of the best video clip l've ever watched on KZbin; informative and thorough. The gentleman himself sounds like a great person, so modest. Thank you Sir! And happy holidays to everyone!

[@TruckinNutz]

You absolutely saved me from pulling out all of my hair. My house was wired by a newborn, and where your wiring should have been, there was a mess of laziness left by whomever did the wiring in this house. Step 3 was exactly what i was looking for, and i followed it by the numbers, and it worked. Thank you so much!

[@FixThisHouse]

I’m glad I could be of help! Thank you so much for the kind words! 🙏🏽😊

[@ismaelcarrerojr7124]

My brother you are truly a great teacher, I know I'm a year to late but boy I learn so much. I'm a DIY and most of the time I do some electrical work but never can comprehend the three way hook up. Now that I purchase my new home someone try a similar hook up to the garage but can't turn it on from end or off from the other end. Thank you for this well scripted video I love it.

[@FixThisHouse]

I’m glad I could be of help! Thank you so much for the meaningful comment my friend 🙏🏽😊

[@ponyxpress79]

Just to make things easier for me, I do red on right because it has an r, and black on left because it has an L. Saves a lot of time running back and forth if you don't remember which wire or screw you used. Just a trick my grandfather taught me. Just a suggestion to make things easier. I also do the same for automotive wiring for trailers. I use green for right directional and yellow for left directional for the same reason. Makes wiring a little simpler.

[@jasoncy31]

Repetition is the soul of good teaching. THANK YOU for such a clear explanation.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much for the feedback Jason! Have a great day! 👍🏽😊🙏🏽

[@ShannonFromRichmond]

Seriously the best channel for learning how to do basic wiring. Examples are clean and easy to understand. Totally rescued me when I doing what should have been an easy switch replacement, this video helped me understand what should be happening so I could undo the previous persons weird work. Thank you!

[@hec--tor3519]

I’m so glad to find a good teacher the one teach the easy way to connect what ever electric connection, thank you

[@andrewchristiansen8311]

My dad has been an electrician for 40 years. Never really showed me much. I am terrible at school. But the time you take to re explain things over & over is just what a guy like me needed. I saved this video. Thanks for taking the time to make this. Big Time!

[@drive-2786]

not a good dad , u should let him know .

[@JoseTorres-el1xz]

Don’t wait for someone to show you. Gotta look for it

[@Leighbumblebee]

This video is the best wiring for 3 way switches I have ever seen! The fact that you repeat yourself is invaluable, stop apologizing, you are teaching and doing an awesome job!!! Great job🥳

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much for the feedback! 🙏🏽😊

[@hoperules8874]

ikr? he should do a collab with Leah @ See Jane Drill & Brent @ BYOT!

[@noahbodymusic8897]

Thanks young man! I live (9 yrs) in a "slumlorded" apartment in Jersey. One of the two, three way switches was a dimmer and it never worked right and finally quit all together. I bought 2 new switches and only after watching all three of your systems, was I able to fix this birds nest! I'm gonna charge him like a journeyman! HA. I appreciate your help.

[@detecwi]

WOW!!!!!! 20 years ago I bought 3 way wire and switches to make my upstairs-downstairs on off. I never got it installed because I did not understand. Now it’s clear, good job! Switches going in tomorrow. Thank you

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much for the feedback and I’m glad I could be of help! 🙏🏽😊 I wish you the best on your project!

[@DanielMartinez-dq7lk]

I have seen several other videos, but this video is by far the best, thank you

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏽😭 means a lot!

[@yooper9062]

@@FixThisHouse Hey great stuff! Do you prefer to use those wire connectors vs wire nuts? I'm building a house this summer and going to do the electrical so just trying to figure out the best stuff to use. Also, would you run outlets in pigtails? It's not code where I'm at but I see some people recommend only doing pigtails and others say to just connect to the screws on the outlet.

[@rtoguidver3651]

@@yooper9062 Check with your local inspector who will pass or fail you.. You don't want to do it twice.

[@atweetythuyvi]

THANK YOU!!! This was the video I’ve been searching for the past 4 hours. I’m so glad I found this. Informative, easy to understand, I loved everything about your presentation (arrow labels, zooming in and pausing to let us see the wire set up and directions and cues). I’m subscribed to your channel now. Keep up the FANTASTIC WORK!

[@susyforfa]

Thank you so much. My husband stumbled on it while looking for wiring help. You explained everything efficiently without making people feel stupid. Thank you so much

[@JLB663]

i haven't even completed watching the video yet with minutes to spare and just wanted to say thank you for the lesson. i know and understand basic electrical but never understood until now how three way switches worked. thank you!

[@esan57]

Great job , I’ve done many of these before it gets crazy when everything is covered up in the walls especially when wires are much older, but i do want to mention I carry white wire tape and a marker then i mark the wire as i go along hence the white tape to write on the other thing i do is if i do use a white wire for a black conversion i use my marker and either dot the white partially or make strips on the white to represent the black conversion and finally i tape the switches and outlets so that no screws are ever exposed to avoid them touching ground or metal boxes plus your fingers.

[@408_Shark]

Thank you very much for making this video!. Of all the videos I seen for wiring a 3 way switch, yours is the only one that explained to me how to wire it with the light fixture in different positions in the wire run. THANK YOU FOR THIS!!!

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much for the feedback! Thank you for the love and support as well! 🙏🏽😊

[@DisLoyalSoul]

I used your single pole switch video as a refresher for adding a switch to a new fixture in my garage. Now I'm here just checking out your other content. Very good videos even 2 years later after they were posted!

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much for the love and support! 🙏🏽😊

[@napoleonsaa4560]

No sir, you are wrong: you do not babble. On the contrary, you are reviewing excellently and pointing out the importance of the procedure. I say, learning occurs when you review. Thank you for opening my eyes to residential wiring.

[@user-eo2qt2ri9c]

Just started watching this and already it makes more sense and more basics than any I've seen thus far. I love that you use real tools and material up close and break it down as you go. A real video. A great video. Ty.

[@patrickarchuleta9594]

Totally awesome video and you have our permission to talk all you want it's easy to listen when a instructor is so focused God Almighty continue to bless you and your family well done.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you 🙏🏽!

[@iraturner6733]

I followed your video on - Light Fixture Middle-Of-Run (Power going to light switches first. The Best explanation I have found. I struggled with other videos from so called professionals, using their explanations. Results were they pale in comparison to yours. I experienced no light, popped breakers etc. I did have to run a new power source to the first box. I don't know who wired my 3 ways but it was done wrong. Thanks for an excellent video! I used the Wago wire connectors. I like Shrimp too!

[@michaellowe2559]

Best instruction (simple, clear, direct, and comprehensive). Even I can understand it. Feeling more confident. Thank you! Subscribed!

[@FixThisHouse]

I’m glad I could be of help! Thank you so much for the love and support! 🙏🏽😊

[@eddrmmer]

The calm voice, the labeling, the illustrations made this video great!!! thank you!

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much for the feedback! Means a lot my friend! 🙏🏽😊

[@AvaWendt]

The stick-on colorful labels you used are indeed a big help

[@rufles1e]

Ive seen sevral videos on 3 way switches but rarely anyone explain as well as you. I know there is a lot of us that get impatient with long videos it is much easier to understand why and how things should be done.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏽 I’m so happy I could be of help and that you appreciate the video 😊🙏🏽

[@TobeyMontona]

My grandpa was an electrician and this is the first thing he taught me when I was around 6-7 yrs old. He's passed away awhile ago but I'll never forget. I'm 37 now. Good vid. Didn't realize it would take me back so.

[@osheasqualls7006]

I was trying to add an Ultra Pro 3-way smart switch to my Samsung Smart Things home automation. I could not get it to work in the 3-way configuration until I understood the placement of my light source, and thanks to you I got it done. Thanks for taking time out of your day to educate!

[@soothingrainsoundstohelpws7980]

Thank you for the video on the three-way switches. I’ve been stressing for days trying to figure out this pattern and I know you repeat yourself a lot of times but it was very helpful. Just want to say thank you.

[@FixThisHouse]

I’m glad I could be of help! Thank you so much for your patience and feedback! 🙏🏽😊

[@bruceli1209]

this is the best video I ever seen on you tube, clistal clear and well explain, thank you so very much for your well teaching

[@MrSocalrex88]

The " volt claw " is the tool I needed in my life thanks brother!

[@07aussie1]

thank you for your attention to detail and clearly showing how and why wiring is done. I was glad to see you use 14/3 wiring as that has confused me on other jobs I've encountered.

[@bdyt]

Thank you sir. Showing all three ways to run a 3 way is really helpful. My problem was not knowing which wires were which because there behind the sheetrock. I had to use multimeter to identify the wires from 2nd switch to light fixture j box and your help showing how the wiring is connected in that box helped a lot, 👍

[@alrickrichard9965]

Really tutoring, thank you for taking us step by step in understanding and application. Youre a real teacher and explanations are clear. Be blessed.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much for the love and support! 🙏🏽

[@Donnie8612]

This is the best explanation i have every seen! I did not realize that what has always confused me was the location of the light in the circuit. Thank you very much!

[@michaellella4550]

This is definitely the best video to explain how to wire 3 way switches. The detail taken to explain everything is amazing.

[@jonrjd912]

I for one REALLY appreciate 'Fix This House'! Thank you so much! You are a **top-notch** teacher -maybe the best I have seen. You also seem to be a great person, too! Very clear and very thorough.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏽😭 means a lot!

[@BeeRockk4]

Great video and explains it very well. Nicely done. Example two, you could have just ran a 2 wire from the light box down to your first switch instead of a 3 wire. You just capped the neutral wire in that switch box. 2 wire is cheaper and could make a difference depending on how long the run is in a real situation. Either way. Great video

[@paultavernier6561]

I totally agree it's a definite waste of 3 conductor wire and with the cost of wire it's just more economical and if anyone else gets in there they might be a little confused 😕.

[@chris2884]

Love your video and have come back several times to watch the variations. One variation of the three-way switch I’m having a really hard time finding is one where the power comes into the switchbox, and then both the three wire to the other switch, and the two wire to the lights come out of that same box. Might be a great video for someone as I can’t find it anywhere

[@mikemaybrier558]

Like how you explain in detail.You make wiring look simple.Thank You so much for your time in doing so. I’ve been around construction project’s most of my life, being I’m a cabinet builder in Kentucky. Jack of all trades you might say, I enjoy doing projects for myself . You seem to have a great personality and i would hire you to do my electrical work.Thanks again for your time and effort. Mike. 😊

[@davidcage4285]

Great video. Thanks for putting it together. Figured out my 1890 house wiring that’s been added on several times. Thanks again

[@FixThisHouse]

I’m glad I was able to help! Glad you figured out your wiring issue David! 🙏🏽😊👍🏽

[@charlenebystrom8292]

Thank you for solving our frustrations--take time to absorb this video--a few notes were good for us too!! You are a great teacher!! we see the lights now!!!

[@kirktrussell5502]

A+ & 5 Star review on your teaching method. Clear and concise. I am building my own home and I'm doing all the electrical work myself. This give me confidence to handle all my 3 way switches. It can be a little complicated out of a book. Thanks!!!

[@TheDakotaFrazier]

I like how you showed the 3 different ways to do it. It helped me see the pattern I needed to understand what’s really happening

[@jimmysegovia2688]

this is the best tutorial on the tube!!!! man, you should be a teacher!!!!.

[@FixThisHouse]

🙏🏽🥰

[@christiclifford3942]

You making the different ways a person can find the set up in one video is so very considerate! Thanks so much. I have two lights, one at the top and one at the bottom of the staircase so i will be doing option three but with 2 lights in the middle.

[@griffgriff9718]

I like how he takes his time so you can orinate your though process to a unfamiliar task. Very Good 👍

[@Sparky-ww5re]

Best three way demo video hands down. There is yet a fourth method worth mentioning, power to fixture with fixture in middle of run. Incidentally this method is now illegal because it leaves no neutral available at either switch location, and is more common in homes built before the 1980s.

[@danielg2754]

Fantastic and thorough video. Actually one of the best out there. If there is anything more it would be to explain the flow of power at the different stages of the switch use. Really great video and appreciated!

[@nghngh5956]

So far the Best Demo for a DYI to follow - Well Done Sir and Thank You for your effort with discipline and detail explanation.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much for the love and support! Means a lot! 🙏🏽😊

[@jerrymay3806]

Don't worry about talking too much,,,that's how we learn from folks ,like you! You're a great mentor

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏽😊 have a great weekend!

[@scottkrieman8108]

I have been watching videos on three way switch hook ups to find one I think my son in law could understand and this is the best I have found.

[@pfcrow]

Some of these wiring methods result in no neutral wire at one of the switches. Current codes in most locations may require a neutral wire at all switches, which is really nice if you ever want to install a smart switch. Your code might just require a neutral at one switch for 3-way switches, but having a neutral at all of them may turn out to be really helpful in the future even if not strictly required. However, doing it right would require using 14/4 Romex instead of 14/3, which adds a blue wire (to use instead of the relabeled white). Of course, 14/4 wire is very rare, so in most cases, you would just run two sets of 14/2. But wire is expensive, so it's up to you whether having a neutral at each switch is important.

[@bravo3541]

2017 electrical code calls for 3 wire from light fixture to box#1 and 4 wire between switch boxes. Reidentified neutrals will no longer pass inspection. If there is no inspection being done, this method will work fine, as it has for many years past.

[@kevinjensen7752]

You're wrong use 14/3 between the two three-way switches and a 14-2 up to light

[@jerseyjim9092]

Running 14-2 to the first 3 way switch, 14-3 to the 2nd 3 way switch and then 14-2 to the light will give you neutrals at both switches without resorting to expensive and hard to find 14-4 wire. Having neutrals in both switch boxes is ideal but not always feasible when working with existing wiring in older homes.

[@Sparky-ww5re]

@@jerseyjim9092 that's all we ever do in new construction. We only use dead end three ways in existing construction, for adding another switch, with 14/3 and use the red and white re-identified as hot, for the travellers and the black for common. The downside to this is there's no neutral, and in some jurisdictions they will fail you for that even though the NEC requires a neutral at one of the boxes at multi switch locations. So sometimes in a remodel where the inspectors are really strict we run two sets of 14/2 one set for power and the other set for the travellers, I use red phase tape around the white traveller, and cap the neutral off. I could use 14/2/2 or 14/4 in this situation, but that is a special order item and is very expensive.

[@jerseyjim9092]

@@Sparky-ww5re And the inspectors allow 2 runs of 14-2 in lieu of 14-4?.

[@themortalriver565]

Literally the best video I've ever seen for electrical work and you answered every single question I had that I couldn't find an answer for.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much for the amazing feedback! 🙏🏽😊

[@tubatodd]

This video is awesome. I am needing to fix the 2-way switches in my house. They are presently gated (1 switch MUST be ON for the other switch to work) and I want to make them independent. This video explains the wiring very clearly. Thank you!

[@tubatodd]

Just followed the guidance in the first section of the video and fixed all of my 2 way switches. Thank you again for this. Your explanation helped make sense of what I was working with.

[@ericcampbell8881]

I agree with Sam Harris, you do not talk to much, your excellent in explaination and presentation, I would love to apprentice from you.

[@lou1784]

Thank you so much for such an informative video! You have helped me understand it completely. Now I am extremely confident with installing the 3-way switch. Thank you for introducing me to the Wago wire connectors! I’m definitely going to use them.

[@scottleer756]

Excellent instructional video. You are very good at explaining every detail very clearly. I like how you go over everything twice. You are the GOAT of all DIY how to do electrical you tubers. Thank you.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much for the amazing feedback! 😊🙏🏽

[@tpep1693]

Done it for years like this, it is the best way, not the only way, the best, easiest way.

[@d1nonlysnshn]

Thank u so much! I usually dread replacing 3-ways because it never works the first time Just replaced ancient 3-ways at my best friend's house. Really appreciate you taking the time and explaining the different configurations for 3-way. Never knew! That was tremendously helpful and explains why I ran into issues b4. I knew hers was with light in the middle. Had to make a minor tweak and change the white/black around on the 2d switch, so it is working now. Thank you again.

[@shock196411]

I'm not sure what he electrical code is where you live but in Canada and most other places they are adopting the rule that you must have the neutral in every switch box. For the 3 way woth light in the middle method, you would have had to run 14/3 from the 1st switch to the light, then 14/4 from the light to last switch

[@BWOUTDOORS]

GREAT INFO YOU HAVE GIVEN.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you Dave! 🙏🏽😊

[@waltergomero]

Young man, you have a teaching talent. Thank you for the steps by steps procedures on how to do things the correct way.

[@johnclapham1371]

Thank you! I had a method 3 wiring situation with a switch on the right and one on the left of a chandelier. Your video was very clear and helped me complete the project, so that either wall switch (right or left) could turn on/off the chandelier. It was nice to finally correct the home builder's switch wiring. Subscribed!

[@Stephielle11]

This is the best 3-Way switch video I have watched!! You are so detailed and thorough with explaining every step and I can easily understand how this works!! I now feel confident and will attempt to replace my 3-way light switches!! Thank you so much for this awesome video!!

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much for the kind words! Means a lot 🙏🏽😊😭

[@MikeInPlano]

Great job demonstrating this. When I first saw it was an hour long I couldn't imagine what would take so long. Now I see why. Added this to my Favorites list for future reference. Given the quality of the electrical installation in our house, I'm pretty certain I'll be putting this information to good use.

[@hoperules8874]

same here--we had a flood in our house so drywall came down--and we are rather horrified what was behind it...

[@sjpropertyservices3987]

Have a light in stairway to basement which only has switch at top of stairs. Getting ready to make it a three way light. Recalled watching this video several months ago and watched it again to consider my options. After I determine whether power is going first to the light or the existing switch I will know what I need to do. Thank you again for sharing this video!

[@jonathanmcmillan3968]

With your awesome instructions, I just added a 3-way switch to some can lights in our living room!

[@Patrickmetaldetecting]

My thoughts are to wire a 3 way just like you did on the first example. That way the wires at the light are never hot unless you have one of the switches on. That way if you want to change out the light fixture, it's easy there's no power going to it. Just leave the switch off.

[@FixThisHouse]

Awesome! I wish you well on your project! 🙏🏽😊

[@bobcontreras5638]

I always wanted to know how a three way switch worked, and how it is done and which wires to use. Thanks for the info and you clearly made it easy to understand how it works.

[@FixThisHouse]

I’m glad I could be of help! Thank you for watching! 🙏🏽😊

[@maxyor77]

I bought the set of Voltclaw talk to the creator Warren in California… thanks for your info …I plan on calling him back and say who informed me about them!

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much! That would mean a lot Ferl! 🙏🏽😊

[@mrreilly]

This was excellent! Thank you for making this. I'm doing this across a large room but I'll be installing 3 lights between the switches and need to know how to connect the lights together.

[@mlucienne4489]

Thanks man! I've watched about 6 vids on 3-way switch wiring and then I found you. You're a great teacher, clear as day, and patient. Excellent job!

[@Learnthetrade621]

thank you for taking your time and being so clear. It really helps

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you for the feedback! 🙏🏽😊

[@lionheart4599]

Don't take this wrong however it does not matter if we use a 12/2 or 3 on a 20A Breaker or a 14/2 or 3 on a 15A Breaker, what really will be the telling factor would be the Load. You are a very gifted tutor, you can communicate very well. Congrats.

[@dgeldmacher55]

Don't apologize about babbling. I appreciate the info you go over. Alot of people skip doing that because they worry about that but for me I sometimes need that repetition to understand it or to confirm that I understand it so thank you!

[@lesterlangford5307]

Wow! Very well done, you are a great teacher for this complicated subject. Thank you for investing your time, expense and energy to help us understand this important subject! Thank You!

[@rufinodiaz9008]

This pesentation is great. I like t when you repeat it. It helps me remember. God job. 😶👍

[@Beaugas]

This could not have been better!!! AWESOME JOB. Crystal clear. Highly recommended!

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much John! 🙏🏽😊

[@nicara64]

Thank you . And thanks to you I fixed today a switch that an electrician install for us and never worked right until today .

[@ericuehanajr8881]

Thank you! Watched a bunch of videos, and I couldn’t find why my light wasn’t working, thanks to your video I found the problem. Awesome videos and easy to understand