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Stesso

Connect Incoming Power and Outgoing Load

1:15
2:20
22.3K views

At 1:15 in

3 way switches explained #tools #electrical #diy #homeowner #trades

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What happens here

First, identify the main incoming power line and connect its black (hot) wire to the common (typically black or copper) terminal screw of the first 3-way switch. Use wire strippers to expose about 3/4 inch of copper and create a hook shape. Loop the wire around the screw in a clockwise direction and tighten securely. Next, identify the cable running to the light fixture (the load). Connect the black (hot) wire from this light fixture cable to the common (black or copper) terminal screw of the second 3-way switch using the same stripping and looping technique.

Goal: Correctly connect the power-in and power-out (to load) black wires to the common terminals of their respective switches.

Tools and materials

  • 3-Way Switches Unspecified — Providing the connection points for incoming power and outgoing load
  • Light Fixture Cable — Carrying switched power from the second switch to the light fixture
  • Power Cable — Bringing 120V AC power into the circuit
  • Screwdriver — Tightening terminal screws on the switches
  • Wire Strippers Unspecified — Stripping insulation from electrical wires to expose copper for connection

What they say

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Power travels back and forth between the two of them. This supplies your power. This is where your power leaves. So, go ahead, take your black here and cinch this down. Okay, so we got power in. Now, here's our light. Put your black on your common here. So, there we go. We got power in and power out. Now, all your whites get connected. You don't do anything crazy with your whites, they just all get connected.

Auto-generated from the video audio.