How are old 3-Way switches wired?

0:034:44How to Repair a Three-Way Switch | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipComing into the first switch. Power comes in on the black wire returns on the white wire which isMoreComing into the first switch. Power comes in on the black wire returns on the white wire which is neutral.

How many ways can you wire a 3-way switch?

Two different types of wire cable are used in a 3-way setup. Two different types of wire cables are used in wiring a standard 3-way switch, most often 14/2 cable and 14/3 cable.

Is one wire always hot on a 3 way switch?

Black wire: This is a hot wire that carries electricity from the power source to the first switch in a typical 3-way setup. Its also called the “common wire” or the “line wire.” Unless the breaker is off, this black wire is always hot.

What happens if I wire a 3-way switch wrong?

Usually when a 3-way switch fails, lights can be toggled on and off at one switch, but not the other. If one of the two 3-way switches toggles the light(s) on and off, the other 3-way switch has probably failed. Follow these steps to find which switch is bad. Toggle each switch until the light come on.