When replacing an existing 3 way switch take note of how the existing switch is wired before you remove the wiring then refer to your notes to help you wire the new 3 way dimmer switch.
Wiring diagram for three way light switch with dimmer.
Wiring a 3 way light switch is certainly more complicated than that of the more common single pole switch but you can figure it out if you follow our 3 way switch wiring diagram.
A wiring diagram is a streamlined conventional pictorial depiction of an electrical circuit.
With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.
Also included are diagrams for 3 way dimmers a 3 way ceiling fan switch and an arrangement for a switched outlet from two locations.
Three wire cable runs between the switches and the outlet.
It reveals the elements of the circuit as simplified forms as well as the power and also signal connections in between the tools.
Wiring a 3 way light switch.
This circuit is wired the same way as the 3 way lights at this link.
In the diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the dimmer box the black line wire connects to the common terminal of the 3 way dimmer a 3 wire nm connects the travelers of the dimmer to the travelers of the 3 way switch traveler wires are interchangeable on each switch.
If you are replacing an existing 3 way switch.
In this diagram two 3 way switches control a wall receptacle outlet that may be used to control a lamp from two entrances to a room.
3 way switched outlet wiring.