There are three screw terminals on the body of the switch, in addition to the green grounding screw. One screw, known as the common, is a darker color than the others. The other two screws, usually a lighter brass color, are known as the traveler terminals.

Is the black screw on a 3-way switch the common?

When wiring a 3-way switch, first screw the terminal screws of the new switch until they are difficult to turn. Connect the wire marked common to the black or dark colored screw.

What are the different terminals on a 3-way switch?

3-Way Switch – a 3-way switch has 3 terminals: 2 brass terminals for the 2 traveler wires, and 1 common (black) terminal for the common wire. A 3-way switch circuit is always comprised of two 3-way switches that control light(s) or device(s) from two different locations.

How can you tell if a 3 way switch is bad?

Follow these steps to find which switch is bad.Toggle each switch until the light come on. Toggle one switch to see if it turns the light on and off. If it does, it is a good switch. Toggle the other switch to see if it turns the light on and off. If it does, it is a good switch and the other is bad.

What is the first step in connecting 3 way connection?

Table of ContentsStep 1: Disconnect the Power and Install the Boxes.Step 2: Run the Cable.Step 3: Prep and Secure the Ground Wires.Step 4: Splice the Neutral and Hot Wires.Step 5: Connect the Switches to Each Box.Step 6: Wire the Fan and Fixture.Step 7: Wire the Circuit Panel and Finish Installation.

What is a dead end 3-way?

A dead-end 3-way is one which only has one cable in the box . the xx/3 from the other switch. The feed and switched circuit are both in the other box. Dead-ends are perfectly legal.