The Right Way to Wire Three Way Light Switches

My outside light will not work unless the inside light is on, is this right? Lets review the Right Way of Wiring Three Way Light Switches, and discover a key factor that will help you.

Wire Three Way Switches
[ad#block]Electrical Question: My outside light will not work unless the inside light is on, is this right?

I have a 3 way switch for inside lights and an outside light switch in the same box. However, the outside light will not work unless the inside lights (on the 3 way is on) – either of the 3 way switches can be on, as long as the lights are on.
Questions, is this standard? And, should there be a way inside the box to change the wiring to allow the light switches to work independently of each other. I have 4 sets of wires coming in or going out of the box. ( I would think 1 to the other 3 way, a second to the outside light, third would be power, and 4th may go to the inside lights.) Thanks.

This electrical question came from: Tom, a Homeowner from Butler, Pennsylvania.
See more about Home Wiring for Pennsylvania

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Tom.

How to Wire 3-Way Switches

There are Many Ways to Wire Three Way Light Switches. Lets review the Right Way of  Wiring Three Way Light Switches, and discover a key factor that will help you.

The Key to Wiring 3-Way Switches

Tom, the key to wiring three way light switches is to identify where the power enters the switching circuit and identify where the wiring leave to feed the light fixtures that are being controlled. Once this is understood then the wiring connections will be crystal clear as outlined in my exhaustive full color three way switch e book which is available below.

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In response to the requests for this information, I have developed a comprehensive,step-by-step guide designed to walk you through the identification and wiring of your 3-way switches.

The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, 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. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

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

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It 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. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester 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. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use 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.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

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