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.
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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.
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