wiring a ceiling fan with light blue wire

Two different types of wire cables are used in wiring a standard 3-way switch, most often 14/2 cable and 14/3 cable. Types of Wire Cable Used in 3-Pole Switches In essence, a 3-way switch is a toggle switch. However, they are not labeled “OFF” or “ON,” because they either allow or stop the electrical current based on the other switch position in the setup. Individual 3-way switches resemble single-pole switches. A 3-way switch setup will even work with a dimmer switch, as long as the dimmer switch is designed for 3-way wiring. That’s just one instance in which 3-way switches (also known as 3-pole switches) are handy: These switches allow users to turn on a centrally located light from different sides of a room, or from the upper and lower ends of a stairway. It’s no fun to come home late at night and stumble to the other side of a dark room looking for the light switch. RELATED: Buyer’s Guide: The Best Voltage Testers What is 3-way switch wiring? Before you do anything else, always turn off the electricity at the breaker box, and use a voltage tester to test the wires in a switch box to make sure they’re not hot. Safety is always the top consideration when doing any wiring. If you’re not comfortable replacing a switch, call an electrician.

If you’re contemplating such a replacement, you should have a working knowledge of switch wiring. Replacing a 3-way switch is a straightforward task, but it is more involved than replacing a single-pole switch.

While installing new electrical wiring should almost always be done by a licensed electrician, DIYers can successfully replace old switches with new switches, if local codes allow.

Wiring a ceiling fan with light blue wire