[Roger.C]

I was trying to replace two three way switches and half hot outlet. Now the switches don’t work and the outlet (both top and bottom) are always hot. I have tried every wire combination on both switches. I have broke the tab on the outlet (bronze) side. The wiring goes like this (switch by front door, 2nd switch in room (this is where the power comes in too), and then goes to outlet). What am I doing wrong? HELP....

 

[joed]

Since can't see how you connected it, you will need to give us a detail description of the connections or pictures.

 

[Roger.C]

The three black wires are wire tied together. The common coming into the box is tied to the common going to the outlet. The red to the outlet, the red to the other switch, and common to the other switch were hooked on the three way.

 

[Nealtw]

Did you change the outlet too?

 

[Roger.C]

Yes I did change the outlet too. White to the common side, black on top, red on bottom, tab broken off.

 

[Nealtw]

The three black wires are wire tied together. The common coming into the box is tied to the common going to the outlet. The red to the outlet, the red to the other switch, and common to the other switch were hooked on the three way.

so like this see where the black is on the second switch.

 

[Roger.C]

That is a great diagram. The only struggle I currently have is knowing what is the common on the three way switch’s shown.

 

[chetwisner]

The common will be indicated by a Black screw. Alternatively, look on the back of the switch for the word "common" next to the appropriate screw.

 

[Nealtw]

That is a great diagram. The only struggle I currently have is knowing what is the common on the three way switch’s shown.

The red to the switch goes on the common screw, the black at the other switch goes to that common screw.

 

[Roger.C]

That’s exactly how I have it hooked and I still have full hot top and bottom outlets. I have the tab broke off on the red and black side. I will pick up another outlet tomorrow and see if that makes and difference.

 

[Nealtw]

That’s exactly how I have it hooked and I still have full hot top and bottom outlets. I have the tab broke off on the red and black side. I will pick up another outlet tomorrow and see if that makes and difference.

Take the black off the outlet and see what happens

 

[Roger.C]

The top outlet went out but the bottom outlet stayed hot.

 

[Nealtw]

The top outlet went out but the bottom outlet stayed hot.

Have you mixed up the cables, could it be the other 3 wire going to the outlet.

 

[longdrive]

Your description doesn't match the diagram. You said the power comes in at 2nd switch. The diagram shows power coming in at the receptacle.

 

[longdrive]

If it is in fact wired like the diagram, it shouldn't be too hard to figure out. Just simply follow the diagram!

 

[joed]

Did you change more than one receptacle? If so you may need to cut more tabs.
Post a picture of the switch box with all the cables so we can the connections.