3-Way Switches

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3-way switches are used to control lights using 2 switches. These switches do not have an on/off position like single pole switches. It is important to understand how these are wired before attempting to troubleshoot or replace.

3-Way Toggle vs 3-Way Decora Switches

The two types of basic 3-way switches are toggle and decora. They each have one common and two traveler terminals. However, the terminal locations on each type of switch are different.

3-way switches have 4 terminals, 1 common (usually black color) and 2 travelers (usually brass color) and ground.

With conventional wiring, the common wire from one switch connects to the line, the common wire from the other switch connects to the load (lights). The pair of travelers on one switch connect to the pair of travelers on the other switch.

Usually, the common wire is wrapped around the traveler wires for identification in the 3-way light switch electrical boxes.

3-Way Toggle Switches

3-Way Decora Switches

3-Way Switch Wiring

Troubleshoot 3-Way Switches