I get a lot of questions about what is the cheapest, quickest, and easiest way to install a three way switch. Many of you don’t know that there is more than one way to do this. Let me explain:
There are few, if any, that know the proper way to install a three way light switch. More importantly, only half of those can do it in less than a day and half of that half in less than an hour. Nevertheless, the majority of my readers do now know the first thing about proper safety or good technique. Instead they rely on intuition to remove and replace drywall or run wires. What’s worse is that most of us don’t know the difference between a normal light switch wiring setup and a three way light switch setup.
Never mind posting about how to install a traditional three way light switch. I would rather you understand the other method.
Please understand that I do believe that if you are building a house from the ground up or have exposed walls (not covered by drywall) then DO NOT waste money buying into the method I am about to introduce.
Wire-free Method
I’d venture to guess that most are unaware that there is a technology that allows you to control a light fixture wirelessly. Why would you know if you don’t do this for a living? Through RF (radio frequency) you can control a light fixture from a light switch with a RF transmitter inside. All you need is a receiver that interrupts the circuit somewhere along the line (like a light switch does). This method requires no extra drilling. That’s right, because no additional wiring is necessary.
What’s more is that some manufacturers of these switches make it completely battery-less. Seriously.
Less costly wireless switches require batteries and a good sense of patience (oftentimes the switches have a hard time communicating to the fixture). These switches cost about 35 bones.
There more expensive (and definitely more attractive) stepsister will cost you triple the price, but perform wayyyy better.
When you compare the cost benefit, the higher end wireless light switches are more reliable than a cheaper wireless light switch and cheaper than hiring an electrician.
And I am serious when I say that this light switch will take only 30 minutes to install – even if it is your first time. More on why for another discussion. The wireless three way switch is the way to go.