Identifying the common wires. 1 turn off the power to the circuit at the main panel.

Understanding How A 3 Way Lever Switch Works
Understanding a 3 way switch. 3 way switches are used to control a single light from multiple locations. A 3 way switch is analyzed and described as to how it works. Then off after you were in bed the 3 way switch would be for you. For instance if you wanted to turn the lights on when you got home and. This is a short clip from the instructional program the basics of household. Such markings are not needed with this type of switch as they are.
The basics of single pole switches and 3 way switches including a visual of the flow of electricity through these switches are explained and demonstrated by terry peterman the internet electrician. Disconnect all three wires or four if the outlet is grounded. Published on mar 30 2018 bhw 3 way switch animation. 3 install the first. There are three screw terminals on the body of the switch in addition to the green grounding. The three way switch is a variation of the standard single pole switch which controls a light only from one location.
Now using your multimeter you are going to determine which of the three colored wires is. 2 turn the power back on. This configuration may be used in open plan homes or in large kitchens or great rooms where a central bank of lighting fixtures might be controlled from more than two entry points. There are two clear giveaways that identify a switch as being a three way type. There are no onoff markings on the switch toggle. This informative video will have you understanding single pole and 3 way switches.
A third type is the four way switch which is used in conjunction with two three way switches to control lighting from more than two locations.