Three-Way Switch Terminals These switches have two light-colored terminals and one dark-colored terminal, plus a ground screw. The light-colored terminals are the traveler terminals and are interchangeable. The dark-colored terminal is the common terminal and brings power from the source to the light fixture.

What color are the screws on a 3-way switch?

When wiring a 3-way switch, first screw the terminal screws of the new switch until they are difficult to turn. Connect the ground wire to the green screw. Connect the wire marked common to the black or dark colored screw. Connect the two remaining traveler wires to the two brass or light colored screws.

How many terminating screws are there on a 3-way switch?

three terminal screws Rather than having two terminal screws and a ground screw like a regular (“single-pole”) light switch, a three-way switch has three terminal screws and a ground screw.

How do you convert a 3-way switch to a single switch?

To convert a 3-way switch to single pole, one of the traveler wires is removed from the switch. In order for a 3-way switch to function as a single pole, the wires need to be connected to the common and one of the traveler terminals. It will not work if the wires are connected to the two traveler terminals.

Which screw does the black wire go to?

brass screw The black (hot) wire goes to the brass screw or into the hole in the back of the device on the same side as the brass screw. This wire is sometimes red. The green or bare copper (ground) wire, if the device has one, attaches to the green screw terminal on the switch or to the electrical box.