![]() If neither of these is the problem, then it’s likely that there is something wrong with the switch itself and you’ll need to replace it. If either of these is tripped or blown, then that could be why your light switch isn’t working. If everything looks good there, then the next step is to check the fuse or circuit breaker. If your 3-way light switch stops working, the first thing you should do is check the wires to make sure they are all tight and connected properly. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker. Another common problem is that the switch doesn’t turn on or off when it’s supposed to. This can be caused by a number of different things, such as a loose wire or a bad connection. One of the most common problems with 3-way light switches is that they stop working. Turn on power at your electrical panel and test your new 3-way light switch!Ĭommon problems with 3-way light switches Step 8: Put the faceplate back on and screw it into place. Step 7: Place electrical tape around each terminal in order to insulate them. Be careful not to over tighten as this could damage the wires. Step 6: Secure each wire to its respective terminal by tightening down each screw until it is snug against the wire. The green or bare copper (ground)wire goes to the green terminal. The black (hot) wire goes to one of the brass terminals, and the white (neutral) wire goes to one of the silver terminals. Step 5: Connect each wire to a terminal on the new 3-way light switch. Step 4: Strip ½ inch of insulation off of each wire using wire strippers. Step 3: Cut the wires that are connected to the screws on the side of the faceplate with wire cutters. Step 2: Remove the faceplate from the 3-way light switch using a screwdriver. This is done by flipping the breaker switch at your electrical panel. Step 1: Turn off the power to the circuit that you will be working on. In order to wire a 3-way light switch, you will need the following materials: (links to our top choices) ![]() 3-way light switch wiring diagramĪ step-by-step guide to wiring a 3-way light switch When the switch is in the “on” position, the common terminal is connected to one of the other two terminals, depending on which way the switch is flipped. When the switch is in the “off” position, all three terminals are connected together. The extra terminal is called the “common” terminal, and it is usually labeled with a black dot. How does a 3 way light switch work?Ī 3-way switch has three terminals, one more than a regular switch. A 3-way switch would allow you to turn the light on or off from either location. For example, you could have a light at the top and bottom of a staircase. That’s it! Just make sure that all connections are secure and that no bare wires are touching each other or any metal surfaces inside the box.Ī 3-way light switch allows you to control a light from two different locations.The remaining wire will be attached to the common terminal.Then, connect one of these traveler wires to each of the terminals on one side of the switch.The first step is to identify the two “traveler” wires coming into the box.However, it helps to have a basic understanding of electrical circuits before attempting this project.Īlways remember to turn off the power before working on any electrical project! There are only three wires to connect, after all. Wiring a 3-way light switch is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance.
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