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three-way only working on one switch

three-way only working on one switch

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Old 04-07-2005, 02:03 PM   #1
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three-way only working on one switch

I have a three-way switch that is only working on one switch. I have checked and rechecked my wiring and can not figure out why it isn't working. Any ideas?

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Old 04-07-2005, 11:04 PM   #2
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three-way only working on one switch

Did you just install the switch? Tell us how it is wired then we can help.

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Old 04-08-2005, 12:55 AM   #3
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three-way only working on one switch

Reverse the two wires at the top and see what happens.
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Old 07-07-2006, 04:06 PM   #4
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three-way only working on one switch

need to know about the color of the wires for a three way switch, except the black i know it goes to the black tell me about the brown and orange. Please help
Last edited by marymunoz_1; 07-07-2006 at 04:09 PM.
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Old 07-07-2006, 07:22 PM   #5
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three-way only working on one switch

A) It is best to start a new thread for your own particular situation.

B) There are NO specific color patterns for 3-way's. Typically red & white, or red & black are used as travelers.

C) Black does NOT always go to black.

D) Brown and orange??? Are you in the US? Does your house wiring run in conduit?


The ONLY way we can help is if you tell us what (all) wires are in the two switch boxes and the light fixture box.
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Old 07-08-2006, 09:47 AM   #6
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three-way only working on one switch

Two single poll double throw switches controlling one light (load).
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Old 07-09-2006, 06:30 PM   #7
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three-way only working on one switch

Mas, that's nice that you made that drawing and keep attaching it to the ever so common 3-way switch questions, but don't you think you could improve on it a little.

Hell, I'm an electrician and I have a hard time seeing what all you have drawn on there.
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Old 07-09-2006, 11:28 PM   #8
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three-way only working on one switch

This forum limits picture size, so I resized the drawing. I ripped it from another forum post(can't take credit for drawing.):D :D
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Old 07-10-2006, 05:53 PM   #9
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three-way only working on one switch

That is only one of at eight possible ways to wire a threeway. We need more info from the OP to determine the actual problem.
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Old 07-11-2006, 03:04 PM   #10
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three-way only working on one switch

Post drawings.
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Old 07-11-2006, 05:25 PM   #11
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three-way only working on one switch

Check out these sites for wiring diagrams.

http://www.selfhelpandmore.com/switchoutlet/index.htm

http://www.wfu.edu/~matthews/courses/p230/switches.html

http://danswiringpage.com/diagrams.htm
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Old 07-11-2006, 06:52 PM   #12
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three-way only working on one switch

I like the drawing, and always have preffered pictures to words. I made a lame attempt at drawing a better picture last weekend, but gave up.

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