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 |
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.
- The 2 switches on the left are 3 way (and the matching 2 on top are fine, I did those first and it worked until I replaced the set of 4).
- The 2 switches on the right are simple 2 way.
- No matter what I try, at least one of the 4 doesn’t work properly, and now I’m so far from the original wiring I don’t know how to get back.
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
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.
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.
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.
For Best Results Consult a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Locate An Electrical Contractor in Your Area
The following may also be helpful for you:
Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
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