Test: Turn the breaker back on and test the switches. Refer to 3-way switch wiring diagram with power at the light or 3-way switch wiring diagram with power at the switch to double-check. Troubleshooting. Light Doesn't Work: Likely a tripped breaker or loose connection. Light Works From One Switch: Probably a traveler wire problem.. Includes 3-way switch wiring diagrams for several situations. In This Article: How a 3-Way Switch Works How to Wire 3-Way Switches. A pair of three-way light switches control one or more light fixtures from two switch locations, such as from both ends of a staircase or hallway.
With NM cable, the wire colors for travelers will be black and red using 3-wire cable. With conduit, the wire colors for travelers could be any color. 3-Way Switch Wiring Variation Diagrams. In the first two diagrams below, the white wire (neutral) from the panel connects to the neutral of the light fixture in the light fixture outlet box.. More three-way switch wiring diagrams depicting actual wiring methods are further down. 3-way switch schematic diagram. CLICK THE IMAGE for some three-way stickers. Two very old three-way switches. Two very old three-way switches are depicted in the photo above. The screw terminals were on the front of switches many years ago.