Wiring three-way switches can be intimidating, however, if you understand the basics of how they work, it greatly simplifies the process. A three-way switch is always “ON.” This means that the three-way switch is always connecting the hot wire to one of the two traveler screws (outputs from the three-way switch).
The main thing to remember when wiring a three-way switch is that the wire bringing the power in is attached to the common screw on one of the two switches. The power to the light is attached to the common screw on the other switch. The black and red wires (travelers) are attached to the traveler screws on each of the two switches.
There are three typical “configurations“ for three-way switches: the light at the beginning of the run, the light in the middle of the run, and the light at the end of the run. Below are diagrams showing how all the wires should be connected for each of the three configurations.
© 2024 Mike Morgan
This article was written by Mike Morgan, the owner of Morgan Inspection Services. Morgan Inspection Services has been providing home, septic and well inspection services throughout the central Texas area since 2002. He can be reached at 325-998-4663 or at mike@morganinspectionservices.com. No article, or portion thereof, may be reproduced or copied without prior written consent of Mike Morgan.
