By Dave Rongey Summary:
Electrical Switches Question:
A careful look at how to wire 3-way rocker switches.
Check Out What Others Are Sharing at Ask the Electrician: Great website, especially if you don't think there's a need to pay an electrician for a potentially minor job. Garret from Shercock, UK
Question about Wiring 3-Way Switches:
I have wired my three way switch the way you have shown in the 3-way switch wiring diagram and for some reason I am not getting power through to the light on one side of the switch and I'm not sure what to do about it.
Please help me. I am using the wide button rocker switches and each has a black screw in the same position and two brass screws the same as in the 3-way wiring diagram.
The switch does not work no matter what order I put the wires in.
Thank You,
John R.
Hi John - Great Electrical Repair Question! When looking at the rocker switches it is very easy to use the wrong terminal for the point or black screw, especially if you're using the push in terminals on the back.
Remember that the brass terminals are for the travelers between your two 3-way switches, the black terminals are for the power and the wire leading to the fixture.
From here I don't know which wiring scenario your actually using, where your power originates at or where your switch leg for the light fixture is located with respect to your layout
If you don't get it working, please let me know more about your wiring layout or which diagram you are using on the website.
Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handywomen, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.
Wiring Master and Slave Switches How to Wire Master and Slave Switches for Three and Four Switch Lighting Control: I need 4-way wiring diagram using master dimmer & companion dimmer & 1 4-Way rocker switch.
Adding a Light Fixture to 3 Way Switches How to Wire 3-Way Master and Slave Switches - A comprehensive,step-by-step guide designed to walk you through the identification and wiring of your 3-way switches.
How to Wire a Double Switch or Triple Switch I want to add another switch or two at one location but I need help with the wiring. Wiring Guide for Wiring Two or Three Switches.
Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.
Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
This is a testing tool that is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
This is great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets
Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency
Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included
Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect, Very handy and easy to use.
A wire stripping tool used to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.
» How To Wire It RIGHT!« Wire it with Confidence! Fully Illustrated Instant Download Now You Can Wire it like a Pro!
Recent Testimonials
I think your site offers the the clearest and best electrical information for homeowners I have ever seen on the net.You have given me confidence to do my own projects which I never had before. THANK YOU! Paul, from Foxboro, Massachusetts
I wish I found this site earlier, it is by far the best electrical related resource I have found on the web. George, from Scranton, Pennsylvania
I love this site for an office worker that does not know anything about electric wiring. Bill, from New York City, New York
This site is so much better than the 3 books I just bought, I wish I came here first. Collin, from Grand Rapids, Michigan
Thank you for answering my question.
I was able to get this done. This site is perfect. I am glad I found it. Please keep it going. Mike, from Chicago, Illinois
