How to Install a Two-Way Switch (Staircase Wiring)

This post teaches you how to turn a single load ON/OFF from two different locations.

For this setup, you mainly need two two-way switches and a bulb/load. This type of wiring is called staircase wiring. In this wiring system, one extra wire is required compared to normal wiring.

Wiring Method (Step-by-Step)

• Connect the Phase (Live) wire to the COM terminal of Switch-1.
• Connect L1 of Switch-1 to L1 of Switch-2.
• Connect L2 of Switch-1 to L2 of Switch-2.
  (These two wires are called traveller wires.)
• Connect the COM terminal of Switch-2 to the Bulb (Load).
• Connect the Neutral wire directly to the Bulb.

How Does It Work?

As shown in the diagram, when any one of the switches is pressed, the circuit path changes. Because of this, the same bulb can be controlled (ON/OFF) from both locations.