3 way switch wiring diagram with line and load in the same switch box. How to wire 3 way switch.

Old House Unusual 3 Way Wiring Problem
California three way switch diagram. Extending the switch leg over to the common as shown in the photo above or extending the hot over to the common as described below. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. The white wire between switches is not being used as a neutral. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. Conventional 3 way wiring is not very complexwith conventional wiring the line line voltage connects to the common of one switch. There are 2 variations of dead end 3ways.
This wiring system may still be encountered in older grandfathered electrical installations. An example of three way switch wiring with the line and load in the same 4 square electrical box. This method is commonly used by professional electricians. Conventional and california diagram. 3 way switch wiring diagram. A dead end 3 way switch wiring method.
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. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. In the above diagram the white wire must be re identified as a hot wire at each switch location. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. The carter system was a method of wiring 3 way switches in the era of early knob and tube wiringthis now obsolete wiring method has been prohibited by the usa national electrical code since 1923 even in new knob and tube installations which are still permitted under certain circumstances.