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One. A typical "two way" ON-OFF light switch is a Single Pole Single Throw (SPST) switch with two terminals. It is wired in series with the fixture: that is, the power circuit is routed from the breaker to one side of the switch. The other side of the switch is connected to the "phase" or "power" terminal of the fixture. In a 115VAC single phase circuit, the other terminal of the fixture is connected to neutral.

A "three way" switch circuit consists of two switches in different locations, each of which is a Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) switch with three terminals. A typical use would have one switch at the top and the other at the bottom of a set of stairs. For the sake of clarity, we can label the "common" terminal on a SPDT switch the "C" terminal. This terminal is internally connected to one of the other two terminals, call them "A" and "B", depending of the position of the switch.

A three way switch is connected with the circuit breaker connected to the "C" terminal on either switch. Conductors connect the "A" terminal on one switch the the "A" terminal on the other switch and the "B" terminal on one switch the the "B" terminal on the other switch. The remaining "C" terminal is connected to the "phase" or "power" terminal of the fixture. The other terminal of the fixture is connected to neutral.

Note that, in either case, there is no neutral wire connected to the switch. Ground conductors do connect to the chassis of the switch box and the fixture, but they do not carry current and do not affect the operation of the circuit.

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