[SPKsr]

I am running a 3 way switch and stumbled upon this diagram and thought it was incorrect. I was under the impression that the traveler wires needed to be in the same location on both switches it appears that the red and white wires are switched on this picture


PIC #1

I also stumbled upon this diagram which is more in line with what I know.. can anyone shed light on this subject please.
PIC #2

 

[AllanJ]

"Center" and "top right" are not appropriate words to use when describing switch terminals. The position of the common terminal may differ from one switch to another.

The two traveler (usually lighter colored) terminals of of one switch are connected to the two traveler terminals of the other switch. Which to which does not matter.

It is cleanest to connect the second light to the first light when both are to be controlled by the same switch or switch setup.

A white wire attached to a switch terminal* is not neutral. Ideally it should be marked with a band of colored tape or stain at both ends.

* Rare exception: I did see a very old switch with a pair of pass through (and unswitched) terminals for the neutral to save the need for a wire nut.

 

[joed]

The COMMON screw is the only one that matters. The traveller wires can be on either of the traveller screws. It makes no difference. The switch will still function perfectly either way.

 

[seharper]

AllanJ is right, the physical location of the screws on the switches doesn't matter, because it's different on every switch. What matters is the colors of the screws. Black = Common Brass = travelers.

Oh, and I see what you mean. Travelers are interchangeable. There's no need to distinguish one from the other. It doesn't matter if you swap them. In fact, swapping them is what the switch does, that is how 3-way circuits work. One wire or the other is hot.

As always with that particular site (do-it-yourself-home-improvements.com), their diagrams are rubbish. Not least, you MUST mark the white wire to a color since it's being used as a hot. That's mandatory and as usual, they leave it off.

I like to do more. They sell packs of 5 colors of electrical tape for about $4. I prefer to mark wires to actually indicate their function. Always mark both ends of a cable the same. There are 2 travelers and I like to mark them both yellow. Because like I say, they're interchangeable and there's no need to distinguish them from each other. When you see 2 yellows in 1 cable, that makes the usage obvious. Slap em on the brass screws and done.