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3 Way Switch Wiring Problem

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3 Way Switch Wiring – How to Avoid the Confusion about 3 Way Switch Wiring when your replacing a set switches and something went wrong and now the lighting is all messed up

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3 Way Switch Wiring
Electrical Question: I’m replacing a set of 4 switches and I did something wrong and now the lighting is all messed up.

Any help is appreciated.
Received from Kris a Homeowner in Cheshire CT

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question.

Avoid the Confusion about 3 Way Switch Wiring

Kris – I need a few of my own questions answered to understand what the configuration is.

Are all the lights that you show supposed to work at the same time, or separately?

If these lights are all supposed to come on with any of the four switches then you need to place 2 4-way switches into this configuration which are typically wired with two 3-way switches.

NOTE
To see how to wire 4-way switches see the resource links below to access the 4-way switch wiring diagrams.

I must say I’m curious, why are you changing out these switches? What happened to cause you to change out all these switches?

So many times –  I hear “the rest of the story” after I have you tell me what is really going on here.

So Kris – give me some feed back so I can help you get this mess straightened out!
Thanks!

RESOURCES

Wiring Diagrams
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Electrical Wiring Diagrams

Home electrical wiring diagrams are an important tool for completing your electrical projects. An electrical wiring diagram can be as simple as a diagram showing how to install a new switch in your hallway, or as complex as the complete electrical blueprint for your new home or home improvement project.

How to Wire a Switch
electrical-switches

Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1

Wiring Diagrams
Fully Explained Light Switch Wiring Diagrams. Detailed Electrical Wiring Diagrams and Pictures assist your Home Electrical Projects.

Wiring Diagrams
Wiring Diagram

Electrical Wiring Diagrams

Articles about Electrical Wiring
Home electrical wiring diagrams are an important tool for completing your electrical projects. An electrical wiring diagram can be as simple as a diagram showing how to install a new switch in your hallway, or as complex as the complete electrical blueprint for your new home or home improvement project.

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A Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

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Includes:
Home Electrical Wiring - Room by Room
120 Volt Circuits
240 Volt Circuits
Multi-Wired Circuits
Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Electrical Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.



Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

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