What is a 3 Way Switch
A 3 way switch is sometimes called a 2 way switch because they control lights from two places. There is no such thing as a 2 way switch. The switch leg carries the power to the homes light fixture and the traveler legs pass the power back and forth between the three way switches in a flip flop fashion.
Wiring a 3 Way Switch
If you look at a three way switch you will see that there are two brass screws and one black screw on it. On a three way switch the black screw is called the identified, switch leg or common connection. The two brass screws are the traveler legs. Wiring a 3 way switch is simple.
3 Three Way Switch Terminals
3 Way Switch Wiring Diagram
3 way switch wiring diagram for the most typical setup. 1. Common / Switch Leg 2. Traveler 3. Traveler Problems with a 3 Way Switch Remember to not crossover the travelers when you install a 3 way switch, most problems with wiring a 3 way switch is caused by mixing up the travelers. If they do get crossed over you will not be able to control the light as you should be able to from each 3 way switch. If you can turn the light on from one switch and not the other, they are crossed up. Simply go to one of the 3 way switches and swap the traveler wires. Be sure to connect the homes ground wiring to the three way switch and the light fixture. If you have two or more lights on the circuit, they would be parallel wired to each other.
