skip to main content

Electrical Wiring

Another 3 way switch problem

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

Let's take this a step at a time. I am not an electrician.

I have a light in the middle of a stairwell. (It's actually the foyer landing of a bilevel house.)

The light is controlled by 3 switches: one at the top of the stairs, one at the bottom of the stairs, and one in the middle of the stairs. The top and bottom switches are actually in the same interior wall, while the middle switch is in an exterior wall.

They all worked before I replaced the switches a few years ago. I tried to install the new ones the same way as the old ones, but there were some differences, so I guessed, then when they didn't work, I tried swapping a few things. Now they don't work properly.

I use the top and bottom switches interchangeably and that seems fine. When I start to use the middle switch, the other switches stop working sometimes. I have not isolated the specific behaviors yet.

I'm not sure I bought the right switches. Can anyone tell me what switches I should have and how I can check to make sure they are correct? For example, should I have two 3-way switches and one 4-way switch? If so, where should the 4-way switch be installed?

Can I look at the wires coming out of the walls at each switch and figure out the flow? (Not sure what I am asking here.)

Thanks for any help.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

User
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
"should I have two 3-way switches and one 4-way switch?"

Yes

"If so, where should the 4-way switch be installed?"

In the box that has 4 conductors to connect to the switch besides the grounds and neutrals.

(The 3 way switches go in the boxes with only 3 wires to hook up to the switch)

"Can I look at the wires coming out of the walls at each switch and figure out the flow?"

Maybe. Here is a basic wiring diagram, but there are several variations to confuse you.

In the boxes with the 3 ways, the travelers are the two wires that come out of the same cable. (All of them may come out of the same cable) The travelers get connected to the screws on the switch that are the same color. The common gets connected to the odd colored screw of the three.

In the box where the 4 way goes there will be 4 wires that are all travelers. The two travelers that come out of the same cable go on the same color screws. The two travelers that come out of the other cable go to the other color screws. It is NOT black wires to black screws and the other color wires to the other screws, REPEAT "NOT".

If all three wires come out of one cable on a 3 way, you may be able to tell which are the travelers by the color of the travelers in the 4 way.

If you can get pictures of the switches pulled out so I can see the wiring, it might help. Some wiring configurations are harder to figure out than this simplified explanation.
Jane thanked User
Jane
Original Author
7 years ago
Wow, thanks! I'm going to have to study this. I think I bought the wrong kinds of switches so I'll start there.
Related Discussions
3 way switch replacement problem.
Q
Comments (5)
Hello jeremycm If you don't feel safe useing a meter, you can use the following. wireing combinations Here are the 9 combinations you need to check: Switch #1, wire "A" to common. Switch #2, wire "A" to common. Switch #1, wire "A" to common. Switch #2, wire "B" to common. Switch #1, wire "A" to common. Switch #2, wire "C" to common. Switch #1, wire "B" to common. Switch #2, wire "A" to common. Switch #1, wire "B" to common. Switch #2, wire "B" to common. Switch #1, wire "B" to common. Switch #2, wire "C" to common. Switch #1, wire "C" to common. Switch #2, wire "A" to common. Switch #1, wire "C" to common. Switch #2, wire "B" to common. Switch #1, wire "C" to common. Switch #2, wire "C" to common. Hope this helps Have A Nice Day Linesman
...See More
3 Way Switch Problem
Q
Comments (7)
All you need is a 12/3 cable from the existing switch box to the new switch box. Should not be a problem since the walls are open. Do not mess with any wiring at the fixture. Only the two wires on the old switch need to be used. Take one of the wires from the old switch and connect to black in new cable. Take other wire and connect to COMMON screw of new 3 way switch. Take red and white from new cable and connect to two remaining traveler screws on new 3 way. At new switch. Connect black to the COMMON screw. Connect red and white from to two remaining traveler screws on new 3 way. Connect all grounds together and to green ground screws on switches. This is what you will be creating. http://www.selfhelpandmore.com/switch-outlet/3-way/3-way-wiring-power-fixture.php
...See More
3 way switch problem
Q
Comments (19)
"if you cant offer helpfull info there is no need to reply" If YOU can't offer the required information, it is nearly impossible to troubleshoot the problem. Especially not having the luxury of seeing the situation first hand. Anyone who is any good at troubleshooting knows to ask as many questions that may relate to the situation as possible. When / why did the switches stop working? Did someone already fiddle with the wiring and make things worse, etc, etc.............Thus the questions about why you are working on the switching in the first place. Obviously, a handyman hack wouldn't know that. But, like you said yourself, "i can handle it". Yeah, it's obvious, you have it all under control.
...See More
3 way switch problem
Q
Comments (3)
Question here........How old is your house? If your have an older house you may have what is called a HOT 3 way. They used to roll the hots and neutrals between these switchs. Very confusing. You need advice from some one more knowlegable about these. I dont understand them. The other thing is if the house is newer you may have one of your travelers on the dark screw. davidr is correct about the meters and this might be a situation you want an electrician there for. By switching the switchs does the hot at each switch move to another screw?
...See More
User
7 years ago
Just in case it is not obvious enough by the description,

3 way

4 way
Jane thanked User

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Solve 3 Common Landscape Problems — With More Plants

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Sometimes the best defense is a good offense

HOUSEKEEPING 10 Problems Your House May Be Trying to Show You

By Mitchell Parker

Ignore some of these signs and you may end up with major issues. We tell you which are normal and which are cause for concern

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Switch to a Tankless Water Heater

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

New project for a new year: Swap your conventional heater for an energy-saving model — and don’t be fooled by misinformation

LIGHTING What to Know About Switching to LED Lightbulbs

By Karen Egly-Thompson

If you’ve been thinking about changing over to LEDs but aren't sure how to do it and which to buy, this story is for you

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Install a Dimmer Switch

By Mary Jo Bowling

New project for a new year: Take control of your lighting to set the right mood for entertaining, dining and work

KITCHEN DESIGN How to Hide Those Plugs and Switches

By Jason Ball Interior Design

5 ways to camouflage your outlets — or just make them disappear

DECORATING GUIDES Switching Up a Colonial Home to Suit a Modern Family

By Becky Harris

Floor plan labels are thrown out the window as a designer helps a family shape rooms to fit the way they live

DECORATING GUIDES Solve Privacy Problems With Window Film

By Lindsey M. Roberts

Let the light in and keep prying eyes out with an inexpensive and decorative window film you can apply yourself

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Problem Solving With the Pros: A Garden Built From Scratch

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

Nature is reintroduced and redefined in a Dutch urban setting, to forge a dynamic relationship with city dwellers

REMODELING GUIDES The Hidden Problems in Old Houses

By Matt Clawson

Before snatching up an old home, get to know what you’re in for by understanding the potential horrors that lurk below the surface

Sponsored

T. Walton Carr, Architects

Franklin County's Preferred Architectural Firm | Best of Houzz Winner

More Discussions

Samsung Frame TV over a fireplace

13

How to place outlets within 24" of a sink (with dishwashers)

27

How much is reasonable to replace an exhaust fan in a bathroom?

15

Question about an outdoor flood light socket

4

Mystery circuit breaker keeps tripping

3