3-WAY Switch fully Explained: How to Wire a 3 Way Light Switch, Identify ALL Wires, Troubleshooting

2023 update: In this video you will learn how to wire 3-Way light switches and will understand the differences between a 2-way and a 3-way switch. You will discover detailed and easy ways of identifying all wires coming out of the switch box, and will delve into the full theory behind wiring - to help with troubleshooting a misbehaving 3 way switch. 

Electricity Safety - Always use a Multimeter!! This is the one I currently use:

Amazon Affiliate Links:

Non-Contact Voltage Tester Detects electricity in wires:

Test the outlet for proper wiring:

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00
3-Way Switch Wiring: 1:00
2-Way Switch Operation: 2:38
3-Way Switch Operation: 3:18
Improper wiring and Troubleshooting: 6:41
Removal of the Switch: 10:24
Identifying the wires in a 3-Way Switch: 11:19
Connecting the 3-Way Switch: 16:00

Recommended tools:
- Flathead screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- MULTIMETER !!!
- 3 Way switch

Thank you for watching. Please subscribe, if you found this video helpful. 

If you have any questions or comments please let me know. 

You can find me on:

#3way #electricity

Edited with #PremierePro

Searchable titles:
- 3 Way Switch Wiring
- How to wire a 3 way switch
- 3 Way Switch Tutorial (free to reuse in all projects).

[danielelble]

I do believe you explain the wiring better than any other person that I have watched. You actually went into explaining the detail of how to wire the two way switch.

[graemejones]

Excellent video with instruction on identifying which wires are which.

[paulpicciano]

The clearest video I have watched on any electrical topic. Spectacular.

[svetlanazhavoronkova]

This is the best video for “dummies”. So detailed, and yet not overwhelming with unnecessary information. Thank you so much! I fixed my problem thanks to this video.

[schloop]

Thank you Thank you Thank you!!! I was struggling wiring a 3-way switch for hours and within 5 minutes of watching your video I was able to solve my problem. Keep up the good work!

[chuckls]

This is by far the best explanation of what to do and look for. Thank you so much for this thorough video.

[andrechampagne]

Absolutely the best overview of the 3-way switch setup. Great instructions and definitions of how they operate in combination with each other. Excellent.

[ppppravi]

Super very clear, not confusing explanation. If any one still not get it you should start from super basics

[thehamptons]

I NEEDED this video!! I was faulty wiring example 1. Thanks for the walk-thru on how to identify the power, travelers, etc. It turned guessing into a systematic 5 minute fix.

[fbard]

Thank you for this video; my home is a DIY special and basically, almost none of the wires are what you'd expect based on color. Using your troubleshooting guide saved my rear!

[r.driver]

I totally agree with positive comments. Watched other videos and thought I had followed step by step, but the lights would not turn on in a certain position. I found your video and it was very simple and showed the possible reason why it was happening. Went straight to my switches and did exactly what you showed and BINGO works perfect. So Thumbs up and subscribed.

[rushhourredrock]

I never completely understood the three way wiring but with your video, which I saved, has been a great help. You did an excellent job at explaining as well as showing. Thank you.

[CottonDancy]

Thank you!! This really is the BEST explanation out there. I didn't know how to determine which of the two was the main and you go through all the steps perfectly! Money saver right here

[ActionQ]

Thank you friend. You saved me from spending hundreds on an electrician

[smayfield]

Finally! The help I needed to get the job done. Thank you so much!!!

[phoebeyiling]

I watched several videos trying to fix my parents' 3-way switch. Yours was the one that actually helped me figure it out. Thanks!!

[jorgecampa]

This is by far the best explanation of how to wire a three way switch and how they work in the circuit. Congratulations on a great video. I learned a great deal on the travel wires and what terminal to use for each one.

[JG-eute]

Instructional videos don't get better than this! It helped me sort out an existing 3 way switch setup that I have. Thanks!!!

[Bassinbulesman]

THANK YOU FOR NOT MAKING THIS A COMPLICATED VIDEO, I WATCHED SEVERAL ON THIS SUBJECT AND BY FAR THIS IS THE BEST OVERVIEW. SIMPLE AND NOT TO MUCH UNNECESSARY INFOMATION.

[mikehereford]

Just what I needed to get my hall light going again. Had a bad switch and wanted to understand how the 3 way switch works. Really liked the way you covered theory, practical installation and trouble shooting. I have had 2 electricians try to explain how this works but it took your video to get it through my thick skull. My wife and I thank you. I subscribed and liked!