Conventional 3 way wiring is not very complexwith conventional wiring the line line voltage connects to the common of one switch. A 4 way switch has five terminals.

3 Way Switch Wiring Diagram Diy Electrical Home Electrical
California 3 way diagram. 10 different methods including basic dead ends radicals 2 wire travelers and light fed. I cant post a drawing but ed can. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Maybe he will respond to this issue. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch.
These methods are used by construction electricians in houses and buildings throughout the us. A california 3 way or hollywood 3 way i as i generally know them is an entirely different animal which involves connecting a neutral and a hot to the travelers and sending the common to one side of the light fixture. 3 way switch wiring diagram depicting all wires in the ceiling junction box. Typical 3 way switch wiring nm cable. I havent ever seen any wired like that. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch.
All photos and diagrams may be copied for classroom instruction or personal use. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first and second 3 way switch together. One ground and 4 circuit terminals divided into two matching pairs called travelers. Each pair of traveler terminals should be wired to the traveler wires from one of the 3 way switches in the circuit. 07 25 2011 1022 pm. California 3 way there are three ways to wire a three way.
The one not approved switches the neutral conductor. Traveler wires are interchangeable. Learn how to wire a 3 way switch. In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. The alternate 3 way switch wiring configuration california or west coast was used as a way to wire 3 way switches and be able to supply line voltage to either switchthis configuration is no longer allowed as the neutral is not present in each switch box. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.
3 way switch wiring diagram. Best blog explaining 3 ways with wiring diagrams photos and 10 different 3 way switch wiring methods used in buildings throughout the us 120 volt. Two are approved one is not. Those are some interesting diagrams. In the ceiling light fixture electrical box one black wire from a 3 way switch gets connected to the black load wire on the light fixture. I imagine the california 3way is the switching neutral variety.
In the above 3 way switch wiring diagram at each switch the black wire gets connected to the copper or black screw. Make copies for classroom or individual use. A 4 way switch must be wired between two 3 way switches as shown in the diagrams on this page.