How to Diagnose and Repair Three-Way Switch Problems | All About Lights

How to Diagnose and Repair Three-Way Switch Problems | All About Lights | Ask This Old House

Рет қаралды 421,172

7 жыл бұрын

Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron looks at a three-way switch issue and fixes the problem.
Watch the whole episode: www.thisoldhouse.com/watch/as...
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Tools:
Pliers
Screwdriver
Shopping List:
None
Steps:
1. Scott first gives an explanation of the three-way switch- two switches that control one light fixture.
2. There are many ways that a three-way switch can be wired, but usually power or the light fixture connect to the load side of the switch and traveler wires run between traveler screws on both switches.
3. In this case, the traveler wire and load wire were swapped and repairing the circuit involved switching them back.
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How to Diagnose and Repair Three-Way Switch Problems | All About Lights | Ask This Old House
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Пікірлер: 200

@natzure7361 10 ай бұрын

Your cut away of the switch was perfect. I've seen many diagrams but seeing the actual contacts make it "real" for me. Many thanks.

@suesheane3671 11 күн бұрын

Agreed, this made me understand the wiring and how it works

@HJCF0520 7 жыл бұрын

I like the animation how it shows the inside of the switch. Great job!

@robtaylor4076 5 жыл бұрын

Dude thank you so much. I was about to have a melt down trying to figure out where the error was in a 3 switch set. After several other videos with pictures and drawings, your real life actual demo was spot on. Its like the bulb went on haha. Thanks again.

@flrockin 7 жыл бұрын

Please have more explanations like the animation one. Very helpful in understanding for those us learning to be self-sufficient homeowners.

@drummereef 7 жыл бұрын

Great segment! The animated diagram was a perfect example of how this works. 👍👍

@elliotdondero-pettit1742 3 ай бұрын

This is the only video you need to watch to repair your 3-way switch. Short, informative, concise. PERFECT!

@samgonzalez1447 Ай бұрын

Yes indeed!🙏🩵😁

@michaelpodguski3646 Жыл бұрын

I recently had this issue with a light in my stairwell. Found a few videos that honed in on the issue, but lost them. A quick search led me directly to this one and the explanation was exactly what I needed to fix the issue. Took less than 5 minutes to shut everything down, reverse two wires, and get everything back in place and working correctly. Explaining the wiring principle, colors, and routing was the perfect piece to help me understand and get it done easily. Many, many thanks!

@roadrailn 7 жыл бұрын

Thank Youuuuu......all other 3 way switch fix videos on youtube should be deleted now and this one saved....wasted hours watching nonsense videos and the confusing use of voltage meters and purchasing one even still being clueless to use it.....and your knowledge and explanation of where each wire inside the box should go is all i needed in under 6 minutes, i learned the connection route inside a switch even thanks to you. Great work!

@Heeby-Jeebies 7 жыл бұрын

As someone coming at this problem for the first time, this was very helpful!

@misteraon 7 жыл бұрын

Every time I watch this guy in the back of my mind I'm like so this is what you'd get if you cross Vin Diesel with Tim The Tool-man Taylor.

@benjoetim 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video. After watching it I found the paired wires, identified the common wire, switched the two that were wired backward and my problem was fixed. So much easier than any other explanation that I read or watched.

@jazielpereira7596 6 жыл бұрын

I really like this guy... the way how he explain stuff making the viewer understand what’s going on .. thank you men...

@danielmullins5426 2 жыл бұрын

Dear Ask This Old House, I just got done fixing the same problem, having to replace a faulty, temperamental 3-way switch. Thank you so much for making my day! The only difference was that my main power wire with the bare copper ground was white. If anything else needs done to the house, I know now where I will go to.

@vindoan9121 3 жыл бұрын

Best troubleshooting tips and super clear explanation. As always, I can always count on Ask This Old House videos when I ran into a problem. Thank you. Keep up the good work.

@LightsandFansGuy1999 3 жыл бұрын

I know someone who had this problem showed in the video. To fix it, i did the same thing as the video: turned off the power, removed both 3 way switches from the wall boxes, switched one of the traveller wires with the common wire on one of the switches, put both switches back together, and restored power. It fixed the problem!

@StinkyTofuHF 5 жыл бұрын

I've watched plenty of 3-way switch diagnosis videos but this one is only 5ish minutes and explains it perfectly. The inside schematics and cutout did the trick. Thank you so much for an insightful video!

@TheInsuranceDudes Жыл бұрын

Great tutorial - probably the best 3 way switch explanation ever!

@vanitywright1330 6 жыл бұрын

This was the most informative yet simple explanation that I am pleased to have found. I changed my switches yesterday and after about an hour and a trip to hardware store thinking that I reconnected it wrong, I figured out that the garbage disposal and sink light still worked but not at the same time. This morning when my range hood didn't work with the kitchen light I thought I did something wrong but they're wired the same as well.Thank you for the illustration!

@stevestone5524 6 жыл бұрын

I have this problem too. He said that two wires were probably just mixed up. How did that happen? One day mine were working fine, the next they weren't. I understand how the wires and switches work just fine. He explained well. I am confused as to which one of my switches are bad or if they're both bad and most importantly who mixed up my wires.

@650ib 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks! This video fixed my light! SUBSCRIBED!

@nicholasd7731 2 жыл бұрын

Y, but how about using a two way switch to have multi location on a smart switch?

@thejudgemeister 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video!!! I’ve been putting up with a hallway light that did exactly the same thing. Tried to fix it myself a few times to no avail. FINALLY!!! With this wiring digram, I was able to figure out both switches were wired wrong and it works now!

@jimealphillips9789 Жыл бұрын

This video was a life saver. After two hours of fighting to figure out an issue I came across this video and was done in five minutes. Thanks so much for posting it.

@saywhen1976 5 ай бұрын

Makes it look so easy! I spent weeks on my 3 way switches and ended up calling an electrical guy on Craigslist who came over and did it for free. Some good people still out there.

@mgdfx8331 Жыл бұрын

the best 3 way switch explanation I've seen anywhere. simple and easy to understand.

@binhminh417 6 жыл бұрын

Great tutorial video! I followed your instruction, testing each wire and 3-way switches, checking wire connection. They're all good, but the working-light is still not on. Appreciate all your help.

@MargSFast 3 ай бұрын

very helpful. we had the same exact problem as that homeowner. because of your video, it is now fixed! thanks!

@arbatson 7 жыл бұрын

Sweet after watching several other videos this is the one that helped me figure out what was going on with my wire! Thank you! After 9 years of bugging us it's working now!!!

@goocherrific Жыл бұрын

That tip of the transit wires being in the same jacket saved my bacon! Thank you!

@chexan86 7 жыл бұрын

I have always had trouble visualizing this in my head. the animation was amazing thank you very much!!!

@patrickduffey4344 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks This Old House. This was great. Moved into a new house and the had a light that didn't work. This clearly laid out the issue and I was able to rewire the switch.

@spaz0023 Жыл бұрын

Just found this video. Was having this same issue at my new house, this helped me finally fix the problem. I know nothing about electrical work, and always thought whichever wire was “hot” went into the black (common) screw. Needless to say it didn’t work. Glad I found this.

@michaelacestari2237 5 жыл бұрын

This helped me figure out what was wrong in my hallway, thank you!!!

@pvomero 4 ай бұрын

best 3 way video, The explaining at that the two wires in the same wrapping are the traveler wires made it very easy.

@mid-west_man 6 жыл бұрын

Great video and he didn't tell us we needed some pricey tool to fix the problem, Thanks for sharing

@andrizeefoshizee 3 жыл бұрын

Yes! This was so extremely helpful. Exactly what I was looking for!

@tewfiks1 10 ай бұрын

Many thanks for a sampled explanation. I now understand the wiring and repaired out switch at home.

@system2thinker659 Жыл бұрын

I can't believe it was a wire misplacement this whole time!! I would try to make a habit of keeping one swith on before I leave the house and turn the other one off. But many times I forgot and wasn't able to turn the light on at the entryway. I always thought it was just how three-way switches worked. Geeez. Thanks for the video!

@nicksumner13 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for clearly explaining how to fix this three way light switch issue.

@SatishKumar-dy1fn 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the video. Very good troubleshooting tips and clear explanation. Had the same issue and did not know where to start.

@craigditzenberger4551 2 жыл бұрын

Have the same issue in my house . I also have one that they added a dimmer switch ( which can’t function in this situation). Thanks for the tip! Hoping to get mine fixed soon.

@zacharymikell1847 Жыл бұрын

Omg this video just made my day i had a light switch driving me nuts trying to figure out why I could only use one switch or the other when they are at different ends of the staircase in my house so it was very inconvenient lol finally I have working lights!!!! Great video easy to follow for sure

@anitali3704 6 ай бұрын

Very helpful, solved our problem for over 10 years!!!

@juliag6845 7 ай бұрын

Clear explanation of the repair process! Thumb up!

@RaeGrafixDesigns 2 жыл бұрын

PERFECT! Exactly what the problem was. Thanks so much!

@The1llusiveMan 6 жыл бұрын

Awesome video!! My 3 way is now fixed. Thank you!

@Gnomeaddict571 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. This solved my problem and you explained it perfectly!

@chenslee02 Жыл бұрын

This was perfect, I just fixed my hallway light. THANK YOU!!!!!

@bethkaplan547 Жыл бұрын

I bought a house and I have this exact same problem with my kitchen lights and 2 switches!! I am really hoping this fixes it. lol I can't wait to try it out. My mom and step-dad have the same problem also!

@KenGettingerRealEstate 6 жыл бұрын

Great to the point video. Now I think I can fix mine. Wish me luck.

@michaelkelly7876 5 ай бұрын

Super helpful video and graphics. Thanks!

@andrizeefoshizee 3 жыл бұрын

Yup, that fixed it! Thank you! Anyone else struggle with working 12-ga wires? So rigid.

@davidnichols7912 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent! Just added a 3 way system and an extra light to an existing light, Had same problem, as video, when all done. My problem was the hot wire was coming from the existing light in the ceiling and that wire was purple. The other wire on the same side was black. The black wire, striped not cut, was leading to other circuits. (thought that was the hot wire at the time) Switch these 2 wires and switches work. Thanks!

@TravelWithMEnow Жыл бұрын

Thank you for explaining this for those of us electrically challenged!! 🙂

@aydinvisionhd6640 4 жыл бұрын

Great illustration, of how to troubleshoot .. Thxs for the diagram

@christophertaylor2592 Жыл бұрын

This video was very helpful, and I was able to fix my hallway (2 3 wat switches) with the correct wiring.

@icpfann 2 жыл бұрын

Another video(not one of yours) told me the red traveler wire goes to the black screw! I'm having the issue in this video, I'll try fixing it. Thank you!

@justintime8445 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Excellent video

@phage160 7 жыл бұрын

Very good video. It helpedme solve my 3-way switch problem. Thanks

@wendig3258 9 ай бұрын

Thank you. That was very helpful!!

@dan4091 3 ай бұрын

I had a situation where the 2 switches were wired up properly but still not working, finally figured out one of the switches was connecting the common to both travelers at the same time, which would have been easy enough to figure out, but it was doing so intermittently, which made it more of a challenge.

@juliof970 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent explanation.

@vince6829 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing.

@anthonymassetti5785 6 жыл бұрын

Great video.

@joeozzie1 2 жыл бұрын

this helped me, thank you!

@bobworkingman4366 3 жыл бұрын

Worked great thanks

@edwinadidas1 10 ай бұрын

Wow really good explanation 👏 👍

@jayrmahidlawon5092 4 жыл бұрын

Scott caron is great electrician👍👍👍👍👍

@mastajabuname 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Problem fixed.

@roncurtis8174 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!!

@katerinakaneva7745 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the great video. Resolved same issue. :)

@kenc2257 3 жыл бұрын

That animated graphic is excellent.

@crackberrry1 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, hated my inlaws hallway, so now we wait and see how long it takes them to notice.

@bmanbaseball5988 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks I had thr same problem .fixed it.

@pearlperlitavenegas2023 2 жыл бұрын

Are the 3way switches different from a regular singke switch that controls one light? Need to replace mine

@chrisgast 4 жыл бұрын

What's the animation for 2 3-way switches and 2 light fixtures - both switches controlling both fixtures?

@James-mu9fn 6 жыл бұрын

Great job breaking this down. I replaced two very old three-way switches and now have the problem you address here. However, each switch (at opposite ends of a hallway) was wired with a white, black, and red wire. The white was on the side with only one screw (it wasn't black back then I guess). I tried to replicate what was there but now it has the problem you corrected. I'm not sure how to correct this. Help!

@michealbrisbois3411 5 жыл бұрын

Black should still go on the common screw. The white can be used as a traveler. So the white goes on a brass screw and the red goes on the brass screw. But that only if the the splice was done correctly at the first switch.

@lash1924 Жыл бұрын

I wish relaxing music started playing when i fixed stuff....

@Dudeshesgay 3 ай бұрын

So I have the same issue and it worked both ways before except I only have a black wire and a white wire where both switches are. There was no issue before changing the switches and now with new switches I have this issue.

@junkjunk1187 7 жыл бұрын

The animation is such that even a "Cave Man" could understand. LOL

@itech301 7 жыл бұрын

Every switch like this in my house has this issue...

@royj9241 2 жыл бұрын

If there backwards will it cause any fires or will it just not work properly

@saulgoodman2018 7 жыл бұрын

Reminds mo of my upstairs hallway light. Sometimes I have to go back and forth to turn switched up and down.

@bushgnome 7 жыл бұрын

john M like the video here you likely have crisscrossed travelers

@kdabulla 7 жыл бұрын

I've done the same error in my house. It took me a while to realize 😅

@LIFTLEGIONCOM 5 жыл бұрын

I have 3 black and a red wire on a super old switch. I found the hot black wire and now where do the other 2 black wires and a red one go??

@fk3589 Жыл бұрын

Great explination, 2 points , 1. did not explain how to determine Load wire vs Line wire. 2. Very inportant why did it work yesturday and not today?

@krishcan4727 Жыл бұрын

Best video

@kathyweigelhi-lophotovideo2984 3 жыл бұрын

On means on? Wow!

@christfollower1768 3 жыл бұрын

Homeowners eyes say it all during his explanation “JUST FIX MY PROBLEM” 🤣🤣🤣🤣

@basher1725 Жыл бұрын

life saver

@ahgfl007 7 жыл бұрын

Then by that the problem I'm having could be similar with the exception that there are two fixtures being involved and the primary power line goes through the outside front porch fixture before going to the switches inside. These two switches control the hall light and the second switch controls the front porch light. The last time a repair was made, both inside switches have to be in the on position for the hall light to work. The electrician is the same fellow who wired out MBR Bathroom light to the Hall Bathroom switch and vice versa, what a mess. Care to explain how to get those two light fixtures to work correctly, it would be greatly appreciated. I got the house which just turned 60 years old this year. Metal lathe and plaster on walls and ceilings, tongue and groove 1"x 6" and 1" x 8" wood used in the roof with 16" centers 5 on 12 pitch with a gable looking North over the MBR.

@stylovore 3 жыл бұрын

At 2:22 that woman's mind was blown lol

@DctorSkillz1 3 жыл бұрын

I love three ways.

@aydinvisionhd6640 4 жыл бұрын

Does 3 way switches need to be grounded ,

@romarro4616 6 жыл бұрын

its true very common problem

@philw3953 6 жыл бұрын

My three-way switches behave the same way. I've lived here 15 years and I haven't gone any rewiring. This just started happening Two weeks ago. Can the switches go bad?

@leonardholt5311 4 жыл бұрын

Brey W yes