Diagnosing 3 Way Switch Problems

Now go the other switch location.

Diagnosing 3 way switch problems. At the switch where you found power in step 2 put the other 2 wires you removed from the switch together and wire nut them. Watch the whole episode. Common problems with 3 way switches and how to fix them. 12 5 2017 if you re new to the electrical world then the first thing you need to know is that a three way switch is simply a variation of the basic single pole switch.

How to wire a 3 way switch video. Wiring a 3 way light switch. Often they can be found at either end of a hallway. Since a 2 switch system has 3 wires to be connected to 3 terminals at each box it works out that only 1 out of 9 possibilities will work.

Remove the two 3 way switches so you can access the switch terminals the wire connections do not have to be removed. Using a continuity tester check continuity between the common black terminal and each of the traveler terminals brass colored of each 3 way switch. Common problems and how to avoid them. So to turn the light on she carefully negotiates the stairs to the top and flips on the switch.

Existing 3 way switches. Set the electrical tester to the continuity or ohms setting. Touch the probes to the 3 wires removed from the switch until you get a reading on the tester indicating continuity. If one breaks or you wish to replace them with more decorative switches you can often confuse the wires.

Basic wiring method for 3way switches 3 wire cable connects the switches easy to understand 3 way switch diagrams. Ask this old house master electrician scott caron looks at a three way switch issue and fixes the problem. I have a problem wiring the 3way switches in my hallway. If it works with the 3 way switch you know it s the dimmer.

They may be at the bottom and the top of stairways. If that isn t the problem then you probably need on site help to troubleshoot the problem. The dang 3 way switch isn t working. Scott first gives an explanation of the three way switch two switches that control one light fixture.

If it doesn t work then i would bet the dimmer was miss wired when it was installed and i would start to see if the carriers and the line load conductors are on the right terminals of the switch. 3 way circuits can be a formidable opponent. Test a 3 way switchturn off power to the switches at the circuit breaker and using a tester make sure power is off. How complicated can 3 way switch troubleshooting be.

3 way switch troubleshooting diagrams. Wiring 3way switches electrical question. The following method will address both problems at once.