Electricity and Electrical (Wiring a 3-Way Switch To A Light Fixture)

A 3-way switch is used to turn a light fixture "OFF" and "ON" from two locations. From a safety stand point it is highly advantageous for stairway and hallway lighting as it allows the occupant of the home to turn the light "ON" from the bottom or top on the stairs or from either end of a hallway. The wiring of a 3-way switch can be confusing.  However, there are only four possible combinations of wiring that can utilize a 3-way switch and three of those four situations are relative to where the fixture is in relationship to the 3 way switches and the incoming power to the circuit. The fourth use of a 3-way switch is in conjunction with 4-way switches.  4-way switch circuits use 3-way switches at the ends of the circuit.  Additional information on 4-way switch wiring. It should be noted that the circuit can control more than one light fixture. Additional light fixtures are run in parallel to the first fixture.
 
If your application requires multiple light fixtures controlled by the same 3-way switches the additional light fixtures should be wired in parallel to the first fixture.  The circuit should be connected to the point where the first light fixtures wires are connected to the power - after the switches.
 
The preceding home improvement article was contributed by Renovation Headquarters, owned and operated by Bill Prudehome. With more than 25 years in senior positions in the construction industry, Bill has been providing home renovation, home remodel and repair services to individuals and small business throughout North America.