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How to Make a Single Pole Switch Into Two 3-Ways

Single pole switches turn a light on and off by connecting or disconnecting power to the light. 3-way switches allow a light to be turned on or off independently by two switches. This is especially useful in a stairway or large room where you might want to turn a light on, walk to the other end of the stairway or room, then turn the light off. You can convert an existing single pole switch into two 3-way switches with a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 3-way switches
  • Household wiring with extra red wire
  • Twist caps
  • Screwdriver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn off the main breaker to disable electrical power to the light fixture and switch.

    • 2

      Remove the switch cover with the screwdriver, then loosen and remove the two screws that hold the switch in place. Pull the switch out from the wall. Loosen the screw terminals and disconnect the wires.

    • 3

      Connect the black wire coming from the electrical panel to the top left terminal of the new 3-way switch. Twist the wire around the screw terminal and tighten it with the screwdriver.

    • 4

      Run the four-color cable (black, white, green, red) from the first switch to the second 3-way switch. Connect the black wire to the bottom left terminal and the red wire to the bottom right terminal of the switch. Connect the white and green wires to the white and green wires coming from the main panel, respectively. Twist the wires together with a twist cap.

    • 5

      Connect the black wire from the four-color cable to the bottom left terminal of the second switch and the red wire to the bottom right terminal. Connect the white and green wires to the white and green wires going to the light fixture, respectively. Twist the wires together with a twist cap.

    • 6

      Connect the black wire going to the light fixture to the top left terminal of the second switch.

    • 7

      Turn on the main power breaker and test the switches. Turn the light on with one switch and off with the other, then reverse.

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