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Yes, one wire is always hot on the 3-way switch, meaning it carries the electricity from the power source to the switch. If you have a 3-wire cable in your home, you have two hot wires, or line wires, coming from the power source. Typically, you’d connect the hot black wire from the power source to the traveler wire and the hot red wire from the power source to the first 3-way switch. For the second 3-way switch, you’d then connect the hot black traveler wire to the switch.

If a light switch is off, it’s very unlikely to cause a fire. For a fire to start, the switch has to be on, activating an electrical current, and the wiring must be faulty. However, the malfunctioning light switch could cause an intermittent current to move across the electrical wire. This issue could become a fire hazard with another device connected to the wire. You should replace the bad light switch as soon as you notice it or call an electrician.

A two-way switch is also called a single-pole or single-throw switch. These switches only have an on-and-off function and only control a single light or series of lights wired together. A three-way switch has no “on” or "off” position and works with a second switch in the circuit to control a single light or light series from two locations.

It is worth upgrading an electrical panel when you consider potential long-term savings on your energy bill and insurance costs. Older homes with a 100-amp service susceptible to overheating or blown fuses could also benefit from the upgrade. If you're running large appliances frequently (central air, heating) or have items with large electric demands (in-home saunas, hot tubs), you could benefit from installing a 300- or 400- amp service instead