What is 3-way wiring?

[foolios]

I took a picture of the wiring to a wall switch because it has 4 connections onto it rather than 3. I did a switch previously in the house that only had a ground and two wires. This switch has a ground, two wires, plus this extra wire that goes from this switch to another switch just next to it in the same box.
I was wanting to replace this switch with a single pole dimmer. This is when I discovered this odd wiring pattern. I figured I could just remove the wire that goes between switches from the equation but the dimmer will not work.
I noticed that the box did say that a 3-way system will need a 3-way dimmer. But it also mentions how to make the 3-way wiring work with the single-pole by removing the ground. Well, whatever that's all about will not work because their diagram does not match the dimmer switch at all...

1) Ok, so what is this extra wire between switches all about?

2) Why couldn't I get the dimmer to work with the wiring in this box?

Thanks in advance.

 

[lee72]

is it just me or is every thread on electricians forum turning into an argument ????? it`s getting boring...... my daddy can fight your daddy by the way

 

[focusphil]

is it just me or is every thread on electricians forum turning into an argument ????? it`s getting boring...... my daddy can fight your daddy by the way

agree:yawn:

 

[Mark_Burgess]

Why do we BOTHER?

Straight away I realied it was a loop feed,

NOT that difficult, unless you are not a Trained spark?

Out of curiosity, why did you drag up such an old post?

 

[Andyrc]

Yea yea what ever, boys,
Ok Mark, yep I should of checked dates,
Excusse me for being Conscientous and Experienced, Spark

Why? Because I see the lack of training an understanding of "our " Trade /Skills everyday,
And no my Dad cant fight yours , as my Dad is 84!!!!!!!

 

[ezzzekiel]

pleased we got all that sorted then...........

 

[VoltzElectrical]

my johnson is bigger than yours.

 

[VoltzElectrical]

i can swing it about the shoulder like a regimented soldier......

 

[VoltzElectrical]

reminds me of a funny joke by Frankie Boyle - my daddie will SHAG your daddie

 

[mickys86]

Could u imagine a day on site with him. Everything would be turned into an argument haha

 

[VoltzElectrical]

frankie Boyle?

 

[VoltzElectrical]

or electricalserv! hahahaha

 

[Adam W]

And no my Dad cant fight yours , as my Dad is 84!!!!!!!

Yeah well my dad's 85 so I win.

 

[DavidJ91]

Why? Because I see the lack of training an understanding of "our " Trade /Skills everyday...

Have you made a post in the jobs section to take on an apprentice then?
You can then enrich our understanding of the trade on your own terms and how you would like.
Practice what you preach my friend

 

[Engineer54]

I think North American, ...They refer to a 3 way switch as we call a 2 way switch!! They count the switches wire connection points, where we count the switch positions.... We call a 3 way switch, an intermediate switch...lol!!!