How many wires are typically in a three-way switch circuit?

In a typical three-way switch circuit, you will usually find three wires. These wires are crucial for allowing the two switches to control a single light fixture from two different locations. The three wires typically include one common wire and two traveler wires.

The common wire connects the input power to the switch or from the switch to the light fixture, while the traveler wires connect the two switches together. This configuration enables the electrical circuit to be completed in either switch position, allowing the light to be turned on or off from either location. Understanding this wiring setup is fundamental for recognizing how three-way switches function in residential electrical systems.