#3 way switch multiple lights how to#
#3 way switch multiple lights install#

#3 way switch multiple lights install#

If you are going to install a new one then go for three wire control methods.Īs you see in the 2 way switch diagram below, you will find that the phase/live is connected with the common of the first 2-way switch. This is the first method to make a 2-way switching connection, this is the old method. Required Components for Two Way Switch ConnectionĢ-way Switch Wiring using Two-wire control We have explained both the methods below and both the methods are demonstrated in the Video given at the end of this article. There are two methods of making 2-way switching connection one is 2-wire control and another is 3-wire control. Two way switch can be operated from any of the switch independently, means whatever be the position of other switch(ON/OFF), you can control the light with other switch. A 2-way switching connection means you can control electrical equipment like bulb by two switches placed at different places, generally used in the staircase.

#3 way switch multiple lights how to#

But in this tutorial, we will show you how to make 2-way switch wiring with normal household switches. Now, there are many different types of switch in the market, and few of them directly be used for two way connection without any special two way wiring connections. Staircase lighting at home or at any other place for that matter is normally done with something called a two way switch. Perhaps most of us might have already used it without paying much attention to how it works. If you want to control lights from multiple switch locations (for example, at the top and bottom of the stairs) or in any other nonstandard layout, you need to shop around.One of the simple yet interesting connection diagrams that young engineers learn in their lab is the staircase lighting connection set-up. More control options: Only a few companies offer smart switches and dimmers that work in three- and four-way configurations or have alternative button layouts.Wireless technology: Most of the smart switches and dimmers on our list use Wi-Fi, but we also consider models that use other wireless technologies, such as ClearConnect, Zigbee, and Z-Wave.None of the models we’ve tested currently support Matter or Thread, two wireless standards intended to increase compatibility and make the smart home work better (for a deeper dive, see our article about Matter). Some models can also tie in to Apple HomeKit, IFTTT (If This Then That, which lets you create your own smart-home rules, called “recipes”), or Samsung SmartThings. Smart-home and voice integration: Most of the models on our list offer some type of voice control, with support for Amazon Alexa and Google Home being the standard.We consider it a bonus if a model offers scheduling based on sunrise and sunset or the status of other devices, as well as scheduling for every day of the week or an Away Mode (for security that simulates occupancy by turning lights on and off randomly). Scheduling: All smart switches and dimmers offer scheduling capabilities, so you can turn lights on and off at predetermined times of day.One of these typically costs around $2 to $10 more than the standard in-wall smart switch. Dimming: If you have a dimmable light, you need a smart dimmer.The only downside is that the DN6HD requires that Wi-Fi bridge, but you can buy it as part of a starter kit that includes both the bridge and one dimmer and slightly reduces the cost. Leviton’s companion app is notably easy to use, allowing you to set up the switch and create Schedules and Scenes we especially like that you can control the light directly from the dashboard of the app without having to search for it first, as you do with some other dimmers. This Leviton smart dimmer is also compatible with more smart-home platforms than any of our other picks, and its support for installation in three-way configurations (with an add-on switch or dimmer) allows for more creative lighting-control scenarios. We like that the bridge and app allow you to mix and match non-neutral-wiring devices like this dimmer with other items in Leviton’s Decora line, such as switches and dimmers that do use a neutral wire, as well as other dimmers, in-wall outlets, and smart plugs.

It communicates wirelessly with the $20 plug-in Decora Smart Wi-Fi Bridge, which lets you add and control up to 25 dimmers and switches using the My Leviton app. The Leviton Decora Smart No-Neutral Dimmer DN6HD is the least expensive smart dimmer switch we’ve tested among those that don’t require connecting to a neutral wire. Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings