The Best 3 Way Switch Explanation Ever!

I watched dozens of videos like this and this is the only one that allowed me to understand how the circuit works and with which I was able to install a 3 way alone. THANKS!

Terry...after YEARS of doing electrical work this 3-way, 4-way switch thing has been my nemesis...currently doing a job where I almost came to tears trying to wire 2 3-way switches with two lights and adding power for another switch/light in a bathroom....UGGGGHHHH!!! Well...after this video I feel like a HERO, cuz I GET IT NOW!!! THAAAAANK YOOOOOOU!!!!

Being an Industrial Electrician I am also asked plenty of questions about household wiring. This has always been the question that people ask and Its hard for me to get them to understand using my explanation. The simplicity used here in your explanation of the three way switch should make it where most anyone with a little knowledge of Electricity and wiring should have no problem understanding. I guess my explanation is to much in depth and overdone. Great video.. Thanks!

Finally, it all makes sense! I used to get the travelers mixed up with the commons... and a few hours of trying different combos would fix it. With this explanation, I just have to remember two things. #1 - the LINE (the hot wire where the power is being fed from) goes to the black common screw and #2 - the LOAD (the hot wire of the equipment or item you're trying to turn on) goes to the black common screw of the last switch closest to it. Thank you for making this so simple to understand. I now want to install another 3-way and even brave a 4-way installation.

Video was posted on June 25th 2018, today May 25th 2020 - it helped me resolve my living room remodel! Thank you!!

Wow !, Finally I get it. Don't know how many times I had to call a electrical buddy to walk me through this.. I think I get it know . Great explanation .

Terry. Thanks so much #1 for getting my 2 outdoor floodlight fixtures on after a contractor took them down doing new siding and left bare wires sticking out. Quick version is was I replaced a switch unnecessarily but wired it incorrect. After watching your video after 5 year of chemo because of incurable multiple myeloma cancer I never had the switches 1 in kitchen 1 in garage in open loop position. Up and down the ladders many times. Up and down stairs many times to turn off power at breaker, I have done lots of electrical in 63 years but was at wits end and I never call anyone fix everything. So once switches were in correct position Voila light wires energized again later today I am reattaching fixtures. Your whole presentation skills and value make it possible for just about anyone to,install or rectify their dilemma. Keep up good work Sir. David

Great description of how it works. The imagery helps tons. Thank you for the breakdown of the 3-way and 4-way switch. I am an industrial, commercial and residential electrician and I approve this message.

Duuude!!! Big shout out to you. This video helped me actually understand and solve my problem. Bought my first home recently and the wiring in the kitchen wasn't right when we moved in. We had two 3-way switches. 1 switch worked a light. The other switch effectively just cut power to the first switch. On the other circuit the red wire was just capped off. Thank you very much for this explanation! All is good and now I'm much more comfortable with what's happening inside my walls.

The animation really helps me understand how 3-way switch works. Thank you!

As soon as I finished watching your video, I had it wired correctly. Thank you for taking the time to instruct us.

The funny thing is: having worked with 3-way switches and never quite getting it, your hand drawn explanation was what made go "aaahhhhh I get it now." Thank you.

Today 8/23/20 I changed a 3-way toggle to a 3-way paddle. I was losing my mind. It now works thanks to you. You're a lifesaver. And a solid understanding is a huge help. Thank you 😊

Outstanding! It is amazing how many Journeyman level electricians cannot explain as simply and effectively as you did how to wire a 3-way switch. Job well done!

I’m a Tinknocker Local105 in Cali and I’ve always been skeptical bout electricity and always had someone do the work. I’m Aware of the safety and danger due to the commercial work I do but the basics at home videos like these sure help out with the mechanical skills I already have I’m trying to save some money on labor. Thank you and keep educating 👍🏼🇺🇸

You Fixed me up in Under 4 minutes. I went from the Decora which I have all over this house and I HATE them because they Break so easily, to the Old School Standard. The guy in Home Depot Totally misled me. He showed me the 2 Black Wires going to the 2 Brass Screws and Red to Black. That Only made the Switch work 1 Way. IDK if it's because I Changed the Style of Switch, but all I know is that when you said to put 1Black on Gold and 1Black on Black the 💡 in my head went on before I even hit the Power. I KNEW YOU WERE ON THE MONEY. You are The Man 😎👍🏼 Thank You !!!

Im an Electrician and this video is professionally explained. Some times is difficult for some people transmit Your knowledge to others and this gentleman  video is very explanatory . Thank You!

That link to the rope lighting was perfect. It was like someone just flipped a switch in my brain and now I can’t believe I didn’t understand it sooner. THANK YOU!!!

Thanks! I had a three way switch; one was a timer the other was a switch but the electrician that did our new house said that that having the switch side off was killing the battery in the timer so he disconnected the switch (leaving the wires) and left us only with a timer. My bride preferred a 3 way switch so this video allowed a somewhat handy financial analyst to replace the timer with a switch and reconnect the other switch....THANK YOU this was very well done and I learned from it.

Very helpful! I have a hand drawn diagram from my late father, master electrician trained in WWII Coast Guard, and I refer to it often. It REALLY is fun when you run into a "repair" job in an old home where all the romex has aged and all the wires look black at the devices! Then the tracing out begins!!!! Thank you for a great video!