There are actually several ways to install 3 way switches and heres a good resource with diagrams to explain alternate options. You dont need the other terminal on the three way switch so its fine to cover it over with electrical tape to ensure the terminals dont get mixed up.
How To Wire A 3 Way Light Switch Home Electrical Wiring
Changing a 3 way switch to single pole. A single pole has 2 terminals the line can go on either one but normally you put the line on the bottom screw the other to the light on the top screw top of switch shows on when switch is up. The switch is now exposed. You need to use the common on your single pole. Converting a single switch circuit to a 3 way switched circuit. Published on apr 7 2020 you can wire a 3 way switch as a sigle pole switch by finding which screw terminals work together. How to wire a three way switch to a existing single pole light switch circuit.
Identify the common and wire nut it with a traveler. Start with the three way switch that will be removed. Once you identify the common it doesnt matter which of the other two travelers you use on the single pole. How to change a 3 way switch to 2 way remove the three way switch from the circuit. With the voltmeter verify that the power. Remove the switch cover plate by removing the two screws.
To use a three way switch as a single pole one connect the hot wires to the common terminal and the traveler on the same side of the switch body. Turn on power and test. Turn the screws counterclockwise and remove the switch cover. In todays article im going to show you a common lighting scenario with a single switch and how to incorporate two 3 way switches. Heres why its not working. Dominick amorosso decemberj2012 110 volt electrical 11 comments 24039 views in this video i explain just how easy it is to add a three way switch to an existing single pole one switch lighting circuit.
Remove the two screws holding the switch in place and carefully pull out the switch. On the other end of your 3 way you need to junction the common with the correct traveler. You would use one of the dark colored screws with one of the light. Turn off the power to the circuit at the breaker box.