Wiring a 3 way switch isnt that difficult. If you are trying to troubleshoot a 3 way switch operation you will need to identify the function of each wire.

Swap Out Those Old Crappy 3 Way Light Switches For Good Cnet
Wiring a 3 way switch with 2 lights. Here the source is at the first switch sw1 and 3 wire cable runs from there to the first light l1. In other words a 3 way switch is made up of one light thats controlled by two separate switches. The 2 wire cable feed from the power source enters the bottom of the switch box and the hot black wire connects to the common or shunt terminal on the 3 way switch. Multiple lights between 2 3 way switches with additional lights beyond the second switch. Note that this configuration is easiest to do when utilizing the first method of 3 way circuits discussed previously in our wiring a basic 3 way switch article or diagram. Wiring a 3 way light switch is certainly more complicated than that of the more common single pole switch but you can figure it out if you follow our 3 way switch wiring diagram.
This diagram sh ows connections when the power comes into the first switch on to the second switch and then on to two or more lights switched by the 3 way circuit. In both cases the power originates at the first switch. Components of 3 way switch wiring. The hot source is connected to the common terminal of sw1. And make sure all of your ground connections are completed and securely fastened. Could you please provide diagrams for.
The existing 2 wire black and white romex can still be used to connect a 3 way switch 2 and the light fixture. Wiring a 3 way light switch. Wiring a 3 way switch with multiple lights in this circuit two light fixtures are shown but more can be added by duplicating the wiring arrangement between the fixtures for each additional light. Wires consisting of a line a load a neutral a pair of travelers and two 3 way switches. Multiple lights between 2 3 way switches. The most important rationale is that there are several ways that a three way switch can be wired.
The answer to how it works is to have an extra hot wire that runs between the two switch boxes. Finish your work and test. 3 way switch wiring diagrams electrical question. Two 2 wire cables c3 and c4 run between the fixtures and a 3 wire cable c2 runs from the second fixture f2 to the second 3 way switch sw2. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. There is only one such terminal on a 3 way switch and it is usually identified as the one having a different color terminal screw often significantly darker from the other two.
All three way switch and 2 way switch wiring diagrams have the same basic components. If your 3 way light switch 2 is connected between the power supply and the light fixture as is most common.