How To Wire A 3 Way Light

[@liamstory8930]

So many times I had to go into Friends houses and fix three-way switches with multiple lights. This is the best I’ve ever seen. Excellent. It is very confusing when you have a light between two switches and people always mess them up.

[@scienceprofessor5]

I have power coming into my switch, 4 shop lights and then a switch at the other end of my shop so I can turn my light off there. Should I be using the bottom scenario? Seems like a lot less wire too. Thanks in advance for the answer.

[@AlexMartinez-vn8kh]

@@scienceprofessor5 for your situation you would use the top scenario if you want to use less wire. If you want to use the bottom scenario you need to run wire from the first switch to the second switch and then finally to the lights but you will use more wire

[@Mooblr]

As someone just getting into electrical, I really appreciate this video.

[@j.r.g.burritoman5108]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I'm pretty handy. I'm helping daughter with a 3 way switch to a single light fixture. It hasn't worked for 10 years because someone mixed up wiring. THANKS to you I believe I can fix it! Much appreciated!

[@nathanpenn2204]

This just saved me a lot of time and money, made me some money, and finished the remodeled apartment on time. Thankyou so much.

[@tameralaskaris6909]

Thank you for providing visual information for two 3 way switches switching two light fixtures. I have a similar situation in my home but rather my two 3 way switches switch the power to the upper parts of two receptacles. 😊

[@brendanchase9068]

Shannon, I think you're one of the best instructors on KZbin. Huge thanks!

[@rouinea]

s😢t

[@Intellistan]

Thank you. I can't say that enough. Saved me hundred of dollars and taught me something along the way. Priceless.

[@mipuntodevista3988]

No dude it was not boring at all I’ve learn a lot in todays class. Thank you for spreading your knowledge.

[@stellarfirefighter5318]

You put a lot of effort into this presentation and I appreciate it!

[@crislopes4518]

5 years too late but Great video! Exactly what I’ve been looking for all day. I could do switch switch light but lights in the middle is a bit more complicated. Or was at a least thanks to this.

[@eagl3ye]

I feel like I've got example #1 down pretty solidly, but I still check my work while watching this video while adding 3-way switches to my home. Clear, concise explanation and easy to follow diagram. Excellent video as always.

[@mdwiggins91]

I teach (taught, for some time, and hope to teach again) a basic electrical course with this sort of model setup. I mention that to contextualize the comment: this is a great video. Super clear instruction and use of models. And, informative for me, as someone who has not had much occasion to work on (new) three way circuit components, so it’s really helpful to get the refresher. Great work. Thanks!

[@HouseImprovements]

Thanks for sharing!

[@StudioBacks]

Thanks Shannon. The video "how to wire a 3-way light" was extremely helpful. This has been the best instruction on the web I have found so far.

[@ajdavis5270]

Great video. My switch to the entry of my hallway never worked after new switches were installed throughout the house by a friend of mine years ago. He said there must be a wiring short in the wall and we would have to tear the wall apart. No way was I going to do that. Today, I opened up the light switch and followed your video and discovered my fried wired it incorrectly. Changed the wire connections on two of the wires in the switch and bam!!!! it works great. Thanks for the easy explanation and guidance.

[@ymunib]

THANK YOU so much!!! I was able to take care of my basement pot light addition because of your video.

[@SemperShock]

Watching this video so I can undue exactly what you have displayed on top. I need to make the 2 lights above, single pole switch so they are no longer on a 2 way. Seeing how it’s hooked up, gives me a better understanding what I have to undue. Thanks

[@peterdriedger3490]

I really like this demonstration it’s so clear and straightforward. It’s the best one I have seen. Grate teaching.

[@Glocko44]

Great video. It is also worth mentioning that when installing a 3-way light switch setup and someone wants to use a dimmer switch, that only one of the 2 switches should be a dimmer switch and the other just a regular one.

[@justme4172]

That was a very good and valuable comment!! Thanks. I didn’t know that and was about to plan using two three way dimmers. Out of curiosity can you explain why you can’t use two three way dimmers on this ?

[@SparkingRelativity]

Ampacity.

[@thomask315]

I was first trying to do the method you have in the second method. Sooo frustrated...then I found your video and realized how easy it was to switch to the first method. Set my laptop next to me and went step by step through the wiring and it worked perfect! No more fear of complicated 3 way switches for me! Thank you so much for the step by step methodical approach you took.

[@scienceprofessor5]

Yes!!! I think this is the case for me too. I have power coming into my switch, 4 shop lights and then a switch at the other end of my shop. Should I be using the bottom scenario? Seems like a lot less wire too. Thanks in advance for the answer.

[@randomness5065]

i thank you for this, i have needed to add another switch into my crawl space as there are entries on opposite corners but previously only had one switch on the less accessible side. Took me about 2 hours, followed your first one on this video and BINGO, i now have 2 - 3 way switches running the lights in my crawls space.....Happy Wife Happy Life

[@HouseImprovements]

Glad it helped!

[@armandhammer2235]

DUDE, I'm a dumb plumber who did what a Canadian do it all guy told him what to do and I got two ceiling fans with lights working like a champ with two switches. I'm kinda proud. Thanks man.

[@briantruck2284]

Working on same deal I want cut light & keep the fan running from switch. Should I settle with pulling string switche

[@armandhammer2235]

@@briantruck2284 I messed up one black wire.

[@dgreene2701]

I had two 3-way circuits I needed to wire in my basement. I understood the principle of wiring the circuit but couldn't make sense of it when I looked at the wires hahahaha. This video made it so clear I was able to knock it out in a matter of minutes. Thank so much for the amazing presentation!

[@HouseImprovements]

Great job!

[@CarlosGomez-qs9bm]

Not boring at all! Thanks for your help and time!

[@ManheimVehInfoCap]

Thank you for the clear and precise explanation in layman's terms! So helpful!! Worked like a charm first time!

[@nicolaschirinos72]

finally found the video I was looking for, I found some illustration for the wiring you have here for both of the wiring samples you have in your board. I’m doing the sample you have on top at one of my clients and one of my worker was skeptic about how I was wiring it, until I found your video and sent it over to him for him to learn there is more than one way to wire a 3 way switch with multiples lights. Keep the good work and listen to your viewers, that will make your channel grow even more!

[@HouseImprovements]

Thanks Nicolas

[@rlabrum524]

Well done. Easy to follow. Easier to understand. Excellent video. Thank you.

[@kellencampbell1323]

This video really helped me to wire up 3 way switches with two lights; same as shown at 7:00 .. don't think I would have even attempted the project without this video.. thanks..

[@pahriz]

Shannon is amazing at breaking this stuff down. AMAZING....

[@MrGeo19792000]

I watch this video about a dozen times till finally I fix my 3 way switch n follow ur instruction but the way mine were backwards and now they work how should they work. BIG THANK YOU!!!

[@andrewshedden]

This is the best explanation I’ve seen of this process. Thank you!

[@raymond3722]

Shannon you are a great illustrator

[@markpinther9296]

excellent video as usual. I almost always hear the term “traveler” when referring to one of the wires and it seems to be where most people fail. I think it’s most clearly demonstrated on the bottom example where the first wire travels switch one to switch two. Then up to the lights.

[@anitathomas-collen7681]

Finally! I’ve had I believe hmmmm 5 “licensed” electricians try to figure out the issue with two three way wiring set ups in my home and each ended unsuccessfully but this HOW TO video has cleared it all up for me . Oh how I wish I’d seen this about a thousand dollars ago!!! Thank you for you’re thorough & logical instructions

[@gregberban9273]

You didn't have an electrician there if they couldn't figure it out , just sayin

[@SparkingRelativity]

You mean they were just arguing about the 5 other ways it could still be wired

[@rcl40403]

Thank you for the second example. My head couldn’t wrap around this before your video, but it’s what I had to do.

[@gianlucaprato7564]

You always pop up when I need sharp advises on point. Thanks for being awesome 🤩

[@edmartian]

Shannon you do a great job. I am an Australian with zero experience living in Germany where everyone does there own stuff and even with the differences in standards your info gets me 95% of the way there.

[@gogobrokengadgets5967]

I’ve never made a comment! I’m an auto mechanic and the word “common” is my ground, so when the instructions say “remember your common wire” I fire up u tube, find you.... You say this is the “hot” wire, but connect it to the “common”....whew😳 You got me lined out, pun intended! Thanks

[@michaelrose8607]

Thank you for making this video! I always get myself confused with this!

[@jjblakeman]

None of the other videos explained it as well as you. Thanks saved me a ton of time!

[@backcountrytourn5089]

One of the best info channels on the tube .... PERIOD !!!!!!

[@Ricochet909]

Thank you so much for this step-by-step tutorial. This helped me immensely to wire overhead lighting in my cargo trailer.

[@marciejones4966]

Thank you so much for this display board. I see a 3 way switch and i break out in hives. I am adding two additional lights in the hallway with one existing light being in the center. I could not understand in my pea brain what was going on. I love that ah hah moment when it eventually gets there through thick skull. Your an excellent instructor, I’m an old former maintenance hvac tech and still retention is questionable! 🤯 i drew it out on paper for the 130 degree attic. Thank you so much! Marcie

[@earthsskin]

This is an excellent video. Even so I have watched it 2 dozen times 😄

[@Neuron43]

Goes to show that even a guy that thinks he knows everything (like myself) can still learn a thing or two from a good KZbinr. I learned this a while back from a TV show called Handyman Challenge but I'm subscribing for the excellent coverage of even the finest details and best practices in electrical. I'm a self-proclaimed Jack-of-all-trades and try to be as fussy about the job as the customer or more so. Thanks for sharing.

[@liam82946]

You are the man! Hands down all your videos are great! Thanks for everything eh

[@HouseImprovements]

I appreciate that you enjoy my videos!

[@BenRabinowitz-1]

You weren't boring; you were informative -- and a bit funny!

[@dillonbunch162]

Great video definitely makes a lot more sense on the second scenario. I have a night mare of a problem in an attic and this literally just saved my skin

[@josephtefft4098]

It has probably been said a bunch. Thank you for this demonstration.

[@robbond6696]

Nope you got it right, and thank you. Was begining to doubt my training from so long ago. I was shocked to see a few videos runnin crazy stuff.

[@duttyboy2582Gaming]

Great video helped very much now feel confident putting in three three way switches in my House. The first method Is so simple compared to the second in my opinion.

[@bluesmanj]

Thank you for taking the time to build the display, and explain things in detail! Your video helped me a lot!

[@VincentJoyce-b5b]

Thank You .The top wire job l followed exactly and it went Perfect. Great Job 👍

[@chrisvassal9576]

As always your videos are the best!I am wiring our horse barn with three way switches and you explain this so I can easily understand it.

[@ZaphMann]

excellent. Someone had used a different method that worked 75% - this is perfect, tganks

[@human1513]

Thank you. You demonstrate and speak very well.

[@ericr3840]

Really good video. Big help. I had you 1st example and needed to fix the common going to the lights 🎉

[@michaelleddy3701]

Thanks for taking the time to make vidoes.

[@josephkabak2943]

I like your explanation, you are awesome.

[@tstanziola]

I love your videos. Straightforward and good demos. Keep it going

[@HouseImprovements]

I appreciate that!

[@DJVstar-bj8mn]

Thanks you for the video, just wired up a couple of 3 ways. I like to check out the how too, before I do any thing any more, old and a bit rusty. Your video is a nice refresher on how too.

[@deathhippie6220]

Thank you! I wasn't sure how I was going to do this on a staircase with 2 lights and 2 switches!

[@Intellistan]

Dude!! I found you again. Damn am I glad to see you!

[@HouseImprovements]

Click subscribe so i'm easier to find next time!

[@propmanager1954]

Great wiring lesson. I used the 2nd example and it worked great. Thanks!

[@HouseImprovements]

Glad it helped!

[@ToolTime_DIY]

The best explanation and scenarios

[@dannylee5588]

I have referred to this a couple times. It very helpful. Thanks🌞

[@drpope1]

A simple 1-line schematic for each might lessen the confusion some people have with these installations. Nice visual and good explanation.

[@ds99]

Thanks Shannon. I like the bottom example best too because it gives you a white wire in both switches in case you wanted to put a timer or dimmer on one or the other.

[@gregberban9273]

Only a luminated dimmer would require a neutral

[@jjneira]

Do you have an example with 2 lights & 2 3-way switches, but the power comes through the lights first?

[@matthewhickey287]

Thank you so much!!! I had a situation like the second half but I had 3 lights and was able to extrapolate it out. Much better than my electrical book or other videos I have watched.

[@andreyzagoruyko5390]

Nice, I didn't know it could be done like in the bottom example; thank you very much!

[@Cristian-cl2ts]

At the minute 3:35 you talking about supply hot. Can you elaborate on that ? I did change the switch and it is working, but other switches won't work when the one I changed is ON..

[@HouseImprovements]

We can help you in the forum.www.house-improvements.com/forums/

[@judithchong7141]

I've learned a lot thanks best instructions on KZbin

[@abimaelyisrael858]

Thanks for this video. I had to watch it a couple times to grasp the concept a little better.

[@semermerhimcbo]

Thanks Shannon. Great information 👍

[@CaptainJokey]

Question for you. Does the red and second black wire connect to the same position on each switch?

[@chriskelly2706]

Thank you very much! A very helpful video - as all of your others are too!

[@normanbernal4337]

Thanks Shannon, very clear and understandable delivery, also the points you make about the potentially confusing aspects of understanding the current flow was really helpful. Exactly right in that this kind of work is not as straightforward as it seems to be, a little time and thought, along with a decent working diagram or basic schematic on the part of the person doing the installation will go a long way to making their projects work the first time around. Thanks again, great delivery, pretty personable, getting it done as usual!

[@SplashJohn]

Excellent demonstration, thank you!

[@liznamyrvega1926]

Great video! I finally understood the wiring of a 3 way switch!

[@jeksdad5979]

I enjoyed your video but I would like to make sure I totally understand what you're talking about❤. Unfortunately the scenario I have to deal with to deal with is a toggle on one side of the room a light in the middle and a dimmer on the other side of the room. The wire is 14-2 without ground. I have no way of identifying which wires come from the light to the bad dimmer switch

[@HouseImprovements]

www.house-improvements.com/forums/

[@carpentertom2835]

I did exactly what you are showing on the first demonstration and I'm losing half of my voltage to each fixture, what would cause that?

[@HouseImprovements]

Our forum is the best place for assistance.www.house-improvements.com/forums/

[@tavy7200]

Thanks you ,I have one situation in my Electric box ; I have 3 why cable to connect with next switch 3 why I have power cable 14/2 I have Light cable connection between lights and switch 14/2 How to connect? Thank you!!!

[@vincebray2302]

Do you have one of the second scenario with 3 or 4 lights. I am putting in 6 recessed lights with a switch at each end? I am assuming it is 12 2 wire in between each light still. Only 12 3 going to the switches.

[@vincentmesser2452]

You’ve bailed me out a couple of times thanks a bunch!

[@justdissin7340]

On my single switch it has a black & neutral wire..theres no other wires inside box so that black & white wire are hot coming from my light fixture is there anyway i can hook up a 3way to it the way is setup at my home?

[@martytruelove5026]

Thanks for the explanation,you should think about teaching,seriously.I just had to pull another wire,didn't realize I needed two 14/2 light to light.I had one 14/3.

[@heredeemedme7013]

Thanks man, this is the best, no nonsense, concise explanation of how to do this. As well as your other videos! Really appreciate it 🙏

[@Kyle-rk6np]

Does this 2nd schematic adhere to the new 2020 NEC changes for 3 way switches?

[@mikemann101]

Not sure if anyone asked this, but if you wanted to add a 3rd light down the road, I assume in either scenario it would have to come off the light and not the switch, correct?

[@vitocotto6279]

I know this is a late response.....But if you run your light connection to a accessible junction box first, then now instead of jumping off the last light or any light, you can go straight to the light junction box and tie in the new lights. I do these often because customers have me come back over the years and install more lights in the same previous room. ...hope the info helped

[@azteca8037]

Correct

[@rickallcock4872]

Question. I had a three way switch with a hall light after the 2nd switch. Worked fine. I just added two wall sconces between the switches, in accordance with the second scenario shown here. Now my hall light doesn’t work. I guess I have to run two 14/2 wires to it after the second wall sconce and keep it in between switches like the other two? Thanks.

[@HouseImprovements]

We can help in the forum.www.house-improvements.com/forums/

[@daningram3143]

Very good video. I have an existing light at the top of the stairs and one at the bottom. The light is on a 3 way switch, I’m trying to add another light. I have done a few wiring connections and cannot seem to get this right. One light will light at the other won’t. I have 14/3 wire coming from the switches and 14/2 at the light. I’m trying not to think how to make this work.

[@HouseImprovements]

Our forum is the best place for extra assistance.

[@jimsmith5756]

The way you have this displayed is very nice, thanks!

[@gcooper2]

Awesome. Helped me out a bunch. Thanks you. I like that you were very detailed.

[@HouseImprovements]

You're welcome!

[@tlt61]

My garage is wired like the upper configuration, it is a bit confusing, had to have a buddy come over and explain it to me when I was adding some outlets.

[@LightGesture]

I wonder what the method could be to use 14-3 through the ceiling if there is a way? It a single shorter run of 14-2 between switches? I have 6 can lights to do. Not just 2.. so this gives me a headstart

[@Ntajneeb74]

Great illustration! Thanks

[@honeybadger9451]

Your wiring video of multiple lights where power isn’t coming to switch box helped me wire multiple lights and a switch in my dark laundry room. Can you please do a video on 3-way switch with power to light where 14/2 also is for a porch switch. In my situation my 3-way switch top of stairs only has a 14/3 so white is a traveler. I can’t get it to work for months ever since I had to replace the damaged box in ceiling.

[@HouseImprovements]

If my existing 3 way switch video did not help you then the next best thing is to ask your questions in my forum. we can assist from there www.house-improvements.com/forums/

[@MrNateJSutton]

10:34 excellent camera work

[@jwondel]

So, so helpful!! Thank you!!!

[@scienceprofessor5]

Shannon, I have power coming into my switch, 4 shop lights and then a switch at the other end of the shop so I can turn the lights off there. Should I be using the bottom scenario? Seems like a lot less wire too. Thanks in advance for the answer.

[@HouseImprovements]

Either system would work.