Old Style 3 Way Switch Wiring. Turn off the power to the switch at the circuit or fuse panel. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be.
Whenever the white wire is not being used as the neutral conductor it must be changed to a different color. The alternate 3 way switch wiring configuration california or west coast was used as a way to wire 3 way switches and be able to supply line voltage to either switch. Unscrew and remove the switch plate. With conventional wiring the line line voltage connects to the common of one switch while the load light connects to the common of the other switch.
After tightening the wire connections to the new switch wrap electrical tape around the switch.
With the common pole running off to the lamp as just one wire from each j box. The alternate 3 way switch wiring configuration california or west coast was used as a way to wire 3 way switches and be able to supply line voltage to either switch. How to replace your old outdated 3 way light switches step 1. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. Conventional 3 way wiring is not very complex.