Most common is the single pole switch the type used to control a light fixture from a single locationthe next most common is the three way switch which is commonly used to control a light fixture from two different locations. Attach the other two wires the travelers to the other two terminals of the switch.
How Three Way Light Switches Work
How to find common wire in 3 way switch. This 3 way switch wiring diagram shows how to wire the switches and the light when the power is coming to the light switch. Before you start installing take a look at your new 3 way switch to identify all of the terminals that you will be connecting wires to. The hot wire from the breaker usually black neutral. Turn main power off if possible for safety. A 3 way switch will not have the words on or off written on it. If there is a bare ground wire attach that to the ground lug of the switch.
Generally but not always the common wire wire that connects the two switches in a three way set up is redi would try the red wire as the wire to the dark screw on the switchthis should also be the case on the other switch in this pair so you also might take a look at itthe wire coming from the switch beside it is not the common wire. Make sure power is off. For example a long hallway or stairway might use a pair of three way. Most switches have the common marked. Traveler wire terminals these are located on each side of the switch towards the top of the switch. Replace any regular switches with the 3 way switches.
It may be a different colored screw usually black while the others are brass colored or there may be a stamping on the side or back of th. Iâ ve decided to put this faq together to help those with questions about installing ge 3 way switches. In this diagram the incoming hot wire attaches to the first switchs common dark colored terminal. Wall switches used to control ceiling light fixtures or other fixtures come in three types. 3 install the first 3 way switch in the box with the hot wire attaching the hot wire to the common terminal of the switch. 3 way switch wire diagram power to light switch.