3-way Switch Problem

eddj · 12-15-2012, 01:44 PM

When I recently installed a 3-way dimmer I somehow messed up the wiring. I initially wired up the switches as shown on the attached diagram. Nothing.

When I swap the two travelers on switch F the lights go on, but I can only turn the lights off and on from one of the switches. Another words if I turn the lights off at Switch E I can't turn them on at switch F.

I have tired swapping around the wires on both switches but can't seem to find the right combination to get the switches to operate properly. I also reinstalled the prior non dimmer 3-way but have the same problem so no issue with the dimmer, I think.

Thanks for any help.

Missouri Bound · 12-15-2012, 02:44 PM

3 way switch
Does this help? Look carefully at the terminal designation on the switches....believe it or not not all 3 ways are wired the same.

Wildie · 12-15-2012, 09:12 PM

As Missouri stated make sure you have connected to the proper terminals. The power feed and the hot to the lights must be connected to the identified terminal. It doesn't matter how the travelers are connected, as long as they are not connected to the identified terminal.
Your wiring appears to be correct.

joed · 12-15-2012, 09:21 PM

The drawing is correct. You have mis-identified the common screw. In your drawing it is the upper left screw on both switches. The common is not in the same place on all brands of switches. It is usually identified as black in colour.

hammerlane · 12-16-2012, 09:03 AM

Drawing looks familiar. Both wires pointed to in green need to be attached to the common terminal of the 3-way switches. As others have said...the common terminal is usually a different coler than the travelers. Can you post a picture of your switches??

eddj · 12-16-2012, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hammerlane

Drawing looks familiar. Both wires pointed to in green need to be attached to the common terminal of the 3-way switches. As others have said...the common terminal is usually a different coler than the travelers. Can you post a picture of your switches??

SUCCESS!

Thanks so much.

On my switches the common terminal is copper colored (compared to brass on the other terminals.) Once I connected the wires you indicated to the common terminal everything worked as it should.

Yes, the drawing is yours from a prior post. Thanks again for your extremely clear guidance.

12-15-2012, 01:44 PM	#1
eddj Newbie Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Woodland Park, CO Posts: 12	3-way Switch Problem When I recently installed a 3-way dimmer I somehow messed up the wiring. I initially wired up the switches as shown on the attached diagram. Nothing. When I swap the two travelers on switch F the lights go on, but I can only turn the lights off and on from one of the switches. Another words if I turn the lights off at Switch E I can't turn them on at switch F. I have tired swapping around the wires on both switches but can't seem to find the right combination to get the switches to operate properly. I also reinstalled the prior non dimmer 3-way but have the same problem so no issue with the dimmer, I think. Thanks for any help. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by eddj; 12-15-2012 at 02:02 PM.

12-15-2012, 02:44 PM	#2
Missouri Bound Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Almost Arkansas Posts: 2,764	3-way Switch Problem 3 way switch Does this help? Look carefully at the terminal designation on the switches....believe it or not not all 3 ways are wired the same. __________________ Do you want it your way or the right way? To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

12-15-2012, 09:12 PM	#3
Wildie Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Canada (s/w ON.) Posts: 2,294	3-way Switch Problem As Missouri stated make sure you have connected to the proper terminals. The power feed and the hot to the lights must be connected to the identified terminal. It doesn't matter how the travelers are connected, as long as they are not connected to the identified terminal. Your wiring appears to be correct.

12-15-2012, 09:21 PM	#4
joed Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Welland, Ontario Posts: 6,101	3-way Switch Problem The drawing is correct. You have mis-identified the common screw. In your drawing it is the upper left screw on both switches. The common is not in the same place on all brands of switches. It is usually identified as black in colour. __________________ Do not PM with questions that can be asked in a forum. I will not respond.

12-16-2012, 09:03 AM	#5
hammerlane Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,184	3-way Switch Problem Drawing looks familiar. Both wires pointed to in green need to be attached to the common terminal of the 3-way switches. As others have said...the common terminal is usually a different coler than the travelers. Can you post a picture of your switches?? Attached Images Last edited by hammerlane; 12-16-2012 at 09:06 AM.

3-way Switch Problem