Fixing a Miswired 3-Way Switch in an Old Home: Step-by-Step Guide (2023 Update)

one box has 3 wires other box has 2 wires. i made a mistake on earlier post. Found hot wire on the 2 wire box- does that go to common screw? the other box has 2 wires with power and one not-i figure the on that doesn't have power is the common??

To wire old 3-way switches, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the power to the circuit you are working on at the main electrical panel before starting.
2. Use a non-contact voltage tester to verify that all screws on the side of the switches are dead, and then remove the switches.
3. Label each wire for easy reattachment, and mark the hot white wire with a black marker.
4. Determine the correct wiring configuration. You should find that the Neutral and Hot wires land on the 3-way switch, with the Common pole running to the light as one wire from each box. Only one 120VAC light should be on this circuit.
5. Repair the circuit by switching the traveler wire and load wire back to their proper connections.
6. Reattach the wires to the switches, install the switches in the switch boxes, and restore power to the circuit.

Age of the house may affect the procedure in that the wiring and switch equipment may not be up to current code and safety standards. Before working on the wiring, it's important to check if the electrical system and wiring in the house meet the current codes and standards. If not, upgrades may be necessary before making any repairs. Additionally, older homes may have outdated wiring methods that are different from modern wiring practices, so it may be advisable to consult with an experienced electrician in such cases.