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3 Way Switch Problems

Chris D
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago

Just moved into our new house (built in 2007). The switch in question is a 3 way switch that turns on a light. The problem is, if
you turn the light on with one switch, you can't turn it off with the
other, and vice versa.

I opened up the switch plates to investigate.

The
one switch, closest to the light also shares a box with a switch that
has been disconnected. In this box there's (4) wraps of wires coming
in.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Wire Wrap (1) (Guessing Goes to Light?)

White to White Bundle

Black to Common Switch Connection

Ground to Ground Bundle

---------------------------------------------------------------

Wire Wrap (2) (Goes to Switch #2)

Red to Traveler Switch Connection

Black to Traveler Switch Connection

Ground to Ground Bundle

White to Black of Wire Wrap (3)


---------------------------------------------------------------

Wire Wrap (3) (Guessing From Power Source?)

White to White Bundle

Ground to Ground Bundle

Black to White of Wire Wrap (2)


---------------------------------------------------------------

Wire Wrap (4) (Nothing Important)

White to White Bundle

Ground to Ground Bundle
Black is Capped and connected to nothing

---------------------------------------------------------------

In switch box #2 wire wrap (2) comes in. Has a red & black connecting to the travelers and the white connecting to the common.

Does this sound like an easy solution, or should I hire an electrician to fix?

Thanks for the help!

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