Inside is a single pole double throw switch which provides each switch with an option to connect the common terminal with either the red or black traveler terminal. If we remove the switch covers and look inside we can see how these 3-way light switches work. We also bring in the ground wire from the electrical panel and connect to each of the switches. We bring in the neutral wire from the power source and connect directly to the light. From the common terminal on switch #1 we connect to the light. We do the same thing for the Red traveler wire. Then we route the Black traveler wire for switch #2 to switch #1. The incoming electrical power will connect to the common terminal of switch #2. With this layout we have the light fixture between the two switches. Checkout these 3-Way Switches 3-Way Switch Example #1 The two traveler terminals can be on the same side of the switch or on opposite sides of the switch depending on the switch manufacturer. They can match with both on red or both on black, but not black/red or red/black. When the two separate 2-way switches match on their traveler wires the light goes on, when they don’t match the light goes off. Its like the game of concentration where you turn over two playing cards trying to get them to match. Within the switch either one of the traveler terminals is connected to the common terminal, which can make or break the circuit depending on the position of the other switches traveler terminal matching or not. A 3-way switch won’t have an on/off designation that can be found on standard switches, as either position could be on or off. We have two traveler terminals, which are usually identified by their light color of bronze or copper, a ground terminal in green, and a common terminal often a dark color. If we look at a 3-way switch, we’ll see that it has four terminal screws. 3-Way Switch for Controlling a Light or Fan How do 3-Way Light Switches Work? Whenever working with electrical be sure to shutoff the power at the electrical panel, and hire a qualified electrician to do the installation if you are not confident that you can do the job safely. 3-Way Switch Wiring Explained Electrical Safety Warning To watch the FREE YouTube version of this presentation, scroll to the bottom or click on the following link. We’ll show several different wiring configurations. In this presentation we’ll learn how to control a light using a 3-way switch, which is convenient when there are two or more entrances to a room, or an upper and lower stairwell.
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