By Family Handyman | Updated: September 29, 2023

Wiring a 3-way switch can be more intricate than a traditional single-pole switch, but with our detailed diagrams and instructions, you’ll successfully wire a 3-way switch from a single-pole light switch. This guide provides step-by-step instructions, tools required, materials needed, and essential tips to make the process manageable.

Introduction

Wiring a 3-way switch involves a more complex process than a single-pole switch, but the goal is to enable control of a light from two different switches. The entire project, including wiring diagrams, can be completed in a few hours, assuming no drywall removal and repair are necessary.

Tools Required

  • 4-in-1 screwdriver
  • Electrical tape
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Non-contact voltage tester
  • Utility knife
  • Wire stripper/cutter

Materials Required

  • 14-3 or 12-3 cable
  • Three-way switches (2)

3-Way Switch Wiring

Wiring a 3-way light switch involves a unique configuration, allowing either switch to make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. Follow our 3-way switch wiring diagram for a successful installation.

Project Step-by-Step

Step 1: Directions for Wiring a 3-Way Light Switch Yourself

To add the switch, follow these five steps for 3-way light switch wiring:

  1. Turn off the correct circuit at your electrical panel.
  2. Add an electrical box for the second 3-way switch in the basement.
    • Pro Tip: You may need to replace the existing switch box with a larger one to accommodate extra wires for the 3-way switch.
  3. Feed a length of 14-3 type NM cable (or 12-3) between the two boxes.
    • Pro Tip: The 14-3 cable has three insulated conductors: white, black, and red (plus a bare ground wire).
  4. Connect the wires to the newly installed 3-way switches with ground screws using one of the two wiring diagrams (Fig. A or B).
    • Pro Tip: The switches will be identified by a label on the common terminal, and/or the terminal screw will be a different color.
  5. Wrap black electrical tape around the ends of all white wires used as travelers between the 3-way switches.
    • Pro Tip: This distinguishes these wires as “hot” and not neutral like most white wires.

Step 2: Wiring Diagrams

  • Figure A: 3-Way Switch Wire Diagram — Power to Light Fixture
    • Power enters the fixture box.
    • The black hot wire connects to the far-right switch’s common terminal.
    • Red and blue wires link the traveler terminals of both switches.
    • The red wire, connected to the first switch’s common terminal, leads back to the fixture.
  • Figure B: 3-Way Switch Wire Diagram — Power to Light Switch
    • The incoming hot wire is attached to the first switch’s common dark-colored terminal.
    • Two hot wires of the three-wire cable connect to brass-colored traveler terminals on each switch.
    • The fixture’s hot wire connects to the second switch’s common terminal.
  • Figure C: 3-Way Switch Wire Diagram — Power to Light Switch with Fixture Between Switches
    • Power enters the fixture box.
    • The incoming hot wire connects to the right switch’s common terminal.
    • Two lengths of four-wire with a ground cable, joined at the fixture box, link the right and left switch traveler terminals to each other and to the fixture.

Conclusion

Successfully wiring a 3-way switch from a single-pole light switch requires careful attention to detail. With the provided diagrams and step-by-step instructions, you can efficiently complete this project, gaining control of a light from two different switches.