If you are trying to troubleshoot a 3 way switch operation you will need to identify the function of each wire. The power source is via the switch box sb1 and a 3 wire cable c1 runs from there to the first fixture f1.

3 Way Or Three Way Switch Maintenance And Troubleshooting
Wiring a three way switch with two lights. The steps above describe installing a 3 way switch and provide a 3 way switch diagram utilizing one light fixture. This option actually requires you to run two romex lines between the lights. Buy a single pole switch if one switch controls the lights or a three way if you have two switches controlling the same lights. Standard and halogen bulbs require standard incandescent dimmers. Be sure to strip 9 and pull the wires through into the second switch box. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.
End of run lights controlled by two three way switches these end of run lights are controlled by two three way switches with a two wire cable power source coming through the first three way switch. If you intend to add multiple lights with a 3 way switch use the 3 way switch for multiple lights diagram. A few fluorescent lights can be dimmed with special dimmer switches but most cant. Option 1 is for power into the first switch wire to the lights and lastly wire from the light to the other switch. The only difference is that this 2 wire cable is not a power cable from the wall it is a free hanging cable that you will use to attach the light. Wiring multiple lights on a 3 way switch.
3 way switch diagrams for multiple light fixtures. It is true that there are several wiring configurations for wiring 3 way light switches and all of the wiring configurations will depend on where the incoming circuit power is located and once that is identified the rest of the three way wiring connections are straight forward. All three way switch and 2 way switch wiring diagrams have the same basic components. Wiring a 3 way light switch. 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. Pull another 2 wire nm cable through the second switch box just like you did in the very beginning with the first box.
3 way switch multiple lights between switches below ive shown two variations of wiring multiple lights between 3 way switches. Tipthe white or neutral wire goes completely through the connection system with pigtail connections at both switches and the first light box. Shown below are two fixtures between 3 way switches. Components of 3 way switch wiring. Wires consisting of a line a load a neutral a pair of travelers and two 3 way switches.