Why 2 red wires on a three way switch?

Question

in my three way switch, one switch has two red wires, one black and a ground. The other switch has two black wires, one red and a ground. All the diagrams Ive seen for a 3 way switch have two black wires at both switches. Now Im having issues getting it wired properly. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Wired wrong, you'll have to test it to see which red wire goes where

Answer 2

A three way switch should be wired this way.  One wire  to one switch common terminal should be hot. I don't care what the color.  Two wires go from the switched terminals of one switch to the switched terminals of the other switch.  Color doesn't matter nor which terminal.  The common terminal goes to the fixture along with a neutral wire.  There may be a junction box along the way where the wires are spliced and that is why the color change.

Answer 3

The colors are used to identify each wire. To sort out your wiring, identify the wire that goes to the fixture, then identify the 2 travelers that go to the other switch. the remaining wire should go to the source. It may be easier for you to number the wires at each end then sort them out. Is this a home using romex? where are the white wires? If this does use romex, then there is another connection box in the circuit.  If you still have troubles, call a qualified professional electrician.