Option 3. Fixture Between Two Three-Way Switches: Power Through Switch Light is controlled by two three-way switches with the light between the switches and the power first going through a switch, then to the light, and onto the second three-way switch. The ground wire is pigtailed with a wire connector at the switch boxes and the ceiling box.. COMPONENTS OF THREE-WAY SWITCH WIRING. All three-way switch and 2-way switch wiring diagrams have the same basic components: Wires consisting of a LINE, a LOAD, a neutral conductor, a pair of travelers, and two 3-way switches. If you are trying to troubleshoot a 3-way switch operation, you will need to identify the function of each wire.
Breaking down the Wiring Diagram: Current enters through the black wire towards the 1 st switch box, attached to the common terminal.; Down position of the 1 st switch means exiting through the red wire and then visiting through traveler terminal into 2 nd switch.; Down position of the 2 nd switch means again exiting but this time through 3 way switch common wire black and enters the light.. Includes 3-way switch wiring diagrams for several situations. In This Article:. When replacing an existing three-way light switch, be sure to return the wires to the proper screw terminals. To do this, put a piece of electrical tape on the wire that goes to the "common" (third) terminal screw.. The black wire connects to a taped white.