how to wire 3-way switches?

[dodger22]

I am currently doing a diy job that requires wiring 2 circuits with 3-way switches. In the first circuit, the power goes to a fixture first then the switches but the circuit has 2 light fixtures, how should the second light fixture be wired?



In the second application the power goes switch, fixture, fixture, switch. How should the fixtures be wired?



I have a book that shows the wiring for a 1 fixture application but not for multiple.



TIA



Richard

 

[emarsh]

wire it like your book shows using one fixture, then parallel the other fixtures to the first.

 

[lil red cummins]

to be safe, you need to change the route of the wires. it should be from the "hot" or black wire to - switch - switch - fixture fixture - "neutral" or white.

if you put the hot directly to the light fixture, it could be "off" but still have power on it which is not legal or safe.



i wish i could draw it here but i dont know how to do that in a text format.



there will be 2 wires between the switches which creates the 3 way. the hot wire from the second switch that goes to the fixtures should go to the gold contact or screw (if there is color coding) on both fixtures. then from the silver contact or screw on both fixtures, a wire will go to neutral.



safety first, make sure the breaker or fuse is off! if you are unsure of this procedure, ask for additional assitance. 120 volts can kill !!!



this is by no means a thorough explanation.



does this help?



jim

 

[dodger22]

Thanks for yor replies guys!



In the first application with power to fixture-fixture-switch-switch I used 14/2 from the first fixture to the second (parallel) white to white and black to black on the fixture.



The second application with power to switch-fixture-fixture-switch I have used 14/3. According to the diagram in the book (showing only 1 fixture) it shows the black wire from the first switch (power) being connected to the white conductor of the second switch with the white conductor marked with black tape. The red from the first switch is connected to the red of the second switch.



I don't have the book in front of me right now to confirm how the fixture is wired.



Thanks for your help, I'll keeping working at it.



Richard

 

[BV]

Maybe this link will help

 

[lil red cummins]

excellent site BV !!!



that is right on the mark.



jim