Red wire: The second hot/traveler wire is the red wire that serves the same purpose as the black wire between the two switch boxes. Depending on toggle switch configuration, either the red wire or the black wire will be hot if the light is on, but not both.

Is red wire common on 3-way switch?

There is no standard for wire colors on 3-way switch travelers. The colors will vary depending on whether NM cable or conduit was used. With NM cable, the wire colors for travelers will be black and red using 3-wire cable.

Where does the red go on a 3-way switch?

The black hot wire connects to the far right switchs common terminal. Red and blue wires link traveler terminals of both switches. The red wire, which is connected to the first switchs common terminal, leads back to the fixture.

What are the three wires on a 3-way switch?

With a three-way switch, three wires connect the pair of switches—two black “traveler” wires and a third “common” wire. When the circuits power is turned on, any of these may be “hot,” depending upon how the switches are toggled.

What is red wire in light switch?

What are Red Wires? Red wires are usually used as secondary hot wires. Red wires are also hot and should be clearly marked to avoid the dangers of electrocution. Red wires are commonly used when installing ceiling fans, where the light switch maybe.