Anatomy of a Three-Way Switch

By Timothy Thiele, About.com Guide

Do-it-yourself electrical projects can be a handful unless you know the basics of what you’re working on. Many homeowners can change an outlet or a single-pole switch, but give them a couple of three-way switches and fear fills their eyes! By knowing what each part of the switch is, what wire to use, and how to connect it, the mystery of hooking up three-way switches disappears. Here is a step-by-step guide with pictures to walk you through this three-way mystery. Hopefully, it will help you in completing the project.

• Introduction to Three-way Switches
• Parts of a Three-Way Switch
• Safety First
• Making the Proper Connection