The alternate 3 way switch wiring configuration california or west coast was used as a way to wire 3 way switches and be able to supply line voltage to either switchthis configuration is no longer allowed as the neutral is not present in each switch box. The black and red wires between sw1 and sw2 are connected to the traveler terminals.
Multiple Light Switch Wiring Electrical 101
California 3 way wiring diagram. 3 way switch schematic wiring diagram. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. Three wire cable runs between the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light. Two very old three way switches are depicted in the photo above. The 2 diagrams below shows a 4 way added into the traveler wires and yet the light stays on even after the 4 way switch is flipped. Two very old three way switches.
With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. Conventional and california diagram. It is the best and easiest method of wiring 3 way switches. 3 way switch wiring diagram. And hope i never see it in the field. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be.
How to wire 3 way switch. Also called a california 3 way. S3 method 4 two wire traveler. Wiring diagram 3 way switch with light at the end in this diagram the electrical source is at the first switch and the light is located at the end of the circuit. I have never ever seen this method to wire 3 way switches before. Conventional 3 way wiring is not very complexwith conventional wiring the line line voltage connects to the common of one switch.
Below is a simple schematic diagram that can be applied to all three way electrical light switch connections. This is only a wiring schematic and not the actual wiring method used for 3 way switch installations. Calling it a california 3 way seems to make sense. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram.
Gallery of California 3 Way Wiring Diagram
