How to Wire a Double 3-Way Combination Switch Device?

How to Wire a Double 3-Way Combination Switch Device? . Wiring a double 3-way combination switch device may sound complex, but with the right tools, materials, and instructions, it’s a manageable DIY project or professional task. These switches are commonly used in homes to control lighting or devices from multiple locations, making them an integral part of modern electrical setups. This guide walks you through the entire process to ensure safe and efficient installation.

Understanding a Double 3-Way Switch

Overview of 3-Way Switches and Their Functionality

A 3-way switch allows two switches to control a single fixture. A double 3-way combination switch expands this functionality, letting you control two fixtures independently. This setup is ideal for larger rooms or spaces with multiple light sources.

How to Wire a Double 3-Way Combination Switch Device

Components of a Double 3-Way Switch

Grounding Screws: Provide safety by grounding the switch.
Traveler Terminals: Connect the two switches for communication.
Common Terminals: Carry power to or from the switch to the fixture.
Housing and Toggle: Enclose the switch and provide user control.

What is a Double 3-Way Combo Switch Device?

A Three-Way combo switch device is actually the combination of two 3-way switches in a single unit (such as Leviton 5243, 5640, 5643 etc.) It can be used for 120V and 240V circuits where a load point (e.g. light bulb) needs to be controlled from two different places with the help of an additional ordinary 3-way switch. Moreover, It can be used as double switch for ON/OFF switch for lighting circuits.

Construction of Double 3-Way Combo Device

The following figure shows the basic construction of a double 3-Way combination switch. It has a total of 7 terminal screws. The four brass screws are for travelers wires while the two black screws are common (hot) which is bonded together by a break-off fin. The break-away fin can be removed to use two separate incoming sources from two different breakers. The green colored screw is used for Grounding wire. Since switches are wired on Hot conductors, there is no need of a silver screw for Neutral wire.

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Read More : How to Wire a Three-Phase Meter?

The following figures show the operation of internal contacts in a double three-way combo switch device (combination of a 3-way switches).

Double-3-Way-Combo-Device-Two-3-Way-Switches

Tools and Materials Required

Essential Tools

Screwdriver (flathead and Phillips)
Voltage tester
Wire stripper
Needle-nose pliers
Electrical tape

Required Materials

Double 3-way combination switch device
Electrical box
Circuit wires (black, red, white, and ground)
Wire nuts

Wiring Double 3-Way Combo Switch Device as Ordinary Double Pole Switch

The following wiring shows a double three-way switch is used as double switch to control two different bulbs for single operation (like two way switch) . To do this, just connect the common of the double 3-way switch (any one of the dark screws on the right) to the Hot wire. Now connect the upper brass screw (number 1) and lower brass screw (number 3) to two different light bulbs. Connect the ground and neutral wires to the bulbs as well.

Wiring-Double-3-Way-Combo-Device-as-Ordinary-Double-Pole-Switch-for-Single-Pole-Operations

This way, the double 3-way switch can be operated like a double switch for ON and OFF operation same as single pole SPST switch.

How a 3-Way Switch Works

Basic Wiring Principles

A 3-way switch system uses traveler wires to create a circuit path between two switches. One switch sends current to the fixture, and the other completes or interrupts the circuit.

Difference Between Single-Pole and 3-Way Switches

Single-Pole Switches: Control one fixture from a single location.
3-Way Switches: Allow multiple switches to control a single fixture.

Read More : How to Wire Lights in Series?

Controlling Two Bulbs From Different Places using Double 3-Way Switches

The following wiring diagram shows that two numbers of bulbs are wired and controlled from two different places using two double 2-way switches. As shown, the hot from the breaker is connected to the common (dark screw) of the first double 3-way switch). The A1, A2, B1 and B2 terminals (brass screws) of both double 3-way switches are connected through travelers wires.

The break-away fin of the second double 3-way switch has been removed and the upper and lower dark screws are connected to two separate bulbs. Finally, Neutral and earth are wired to the light bulbs. This way, both bulbs can be controlled from two different locations using double 3-way switches.

Controlling-Two-Bulbs-From-Different-Places-using-Double-3-Way-Switches

Keep in mind that you can control a single light bulb using the above wiring e.g. you may only connect the upper dark screw to a light bulb where the lower dark screw of the second double 3-way switch and its terminals of B1 and B2 are unused.

Step-by-Step Wiring Guide

Step 1: Turn Off the Power

Double-check the power is off using a voltage tester. This ensures your safety while working.

Step 2: Connect Ground Wires

Locate the green or bare copper ground wire. Connect it to the grounding screw on the switch and secure it with a wire nut.

Step 3: Attach Traveler Wires

Connect the traveler wires (usually red and black) to the designated traveler terminals on the switch. Match these to the corresponding terminals on the other 3-way switch.

Step 4: Secure Common Wires

Connect the black (hot) wire to the common terminal on the switch. Ensure a firm connection by tightening the screw securely.

Step 5: Test the Connections

Once everything is wired, turn on the power to test the functionality. If one or both fixtures do not operate correctly, review your connections for errors.

Wiring Double Combination Switch Device with Two Ordinary 3-Way Switches using Common Feed

The following wiring diagram shows how to control two light bulbs from two different places using a double 3-way combination switch and two numbers of ordinary 3-way switches using common feed. It clearly shows that the incoming Hot (Line) wire is connected to the common dark screws of combo switch that are bonded together via break-off tab.

Wiring-Double-Combination-Device-with-a-Two-3-Way-Switches-2-Ordinary-3-Way-Switches

The upper two brass terminals of the double 3-way combo device are wired to the A1 and A2 terminals of a 1st typical 3-way switch via travelers wires. Similarly, the lower two brass terminals of three-way combo switch are wired to the second ordinary 3-way switch via travelers wires. The common terminals of both ordinary 3-way switches are connected to two light bulbs as shown below.

The ground wires are connected to all three switches and a light bulbs. This way, both light bulbs can be controlled for ON and OFF operations from two different locations.

Wiring Double 3-Way Combo Switch Device with Ordinary 3-Way Switches using Separate Feed

The following wiring diagram shows how to control a bulb from two different locations using a double 3-way combo device and typical 3-way switches using separate feed (2 Hot lines).

The wiring diagram is the same as above except the break-away tab is removed from the common terminal side of the double 3-way combo device. Hence, one screw is connected to Hot 1 (120V from a breaker) and the second dark screw is connected to Hot 2 (120V from another breaker) from the 120/240V main panel. The rest is same as above.

Wiring-Double-3-Way-Combo-Device-with-Ordinary-3-Way-Switches-using-Separate-Feed

This way, fist light bulb is controlled via (HOT 1) source while the second light bulb is controlled via (Hot 2) source where both circuits can be ON and OFF from 2 different locations. The rest of the circuit and its operation is the same as above.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

Mislabeling Wires

Failing to label wires can lead to confusion and incorrect wiring. Always double-check your labels before starting.

Loose Connections

Loose connections can cause flickering or non-functional switches. Tighten all screws firmly to prevent this issue.

How to Identify and Fix Wiring Errors

Use a multimeter to check continuity between connections. Rewire any sections that fail to complete the circuit.

Important Notes :

The brass screws should be connected to the Hot (line, live or phase) wire using the IEC & NEC Wire color codes. In case of SPDT and 4-Way (Intermediate switches), black colored screws are used for Hot or common terminals. In short, the color for common terminal is different than other terminals.
The silver screws should be connected to the Neutral wire (in case of switched outlet)
The green screw should be connected to the ground / earth wire (Green/Yellow or naked wire)
If there are no color coded screws on outlets, refer to the user manual or contact a licensed electrician.
Neutral Wire is not required in 240V outlets wiring (US) Also, Neutral is never connected to the switches.
Use the suitable voltage and ampere rating of switch with appropriate wire size and proper size MCB according to the load rating.

Precautions:

Switch off the main circuit breaker to make sure the power supply is OFF before wiring an existing or new outlet or switch with an electrical/junction box.
Contact the authorized and licensed electrician for switch installation if you are not sure about the wiring diagrams.
The author will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information or if you try any circuit in the wrong format. So please! Be careful because it’s all about electricity and electricity is too dangerous.

FAQs

1. Can I wire a double 3-way switch myself?
Yes, but only if you’re comfortable working with electrical systems. If unsure, consult a professional.

2. What happens if I connect the wires incorrectly?
Improper wiring can cause the circuit to fail or create a safety hazard. Always double-check your connections.

3. Do I need a ground wire for a 3-way switch?
Yes, modern electrical codes require a ground wire for safety.