Thank you for this video. I am a 70 year old female that needed to wire workshop lights in my she shed. After watching video several times and taking notes, my lights worked flawlessly the first time around. Very easy to understand your instructions.
From a teacher to another, if you are not an instructor in a Tech. school, you should be. You have a wonderful way of presenting by making something that might be complicated into something that is easy to accomplish. Thank you for taking the time to teach us about wiring 3 way switches. August Thurmer
Agreed. Electric has to be the hardest easy thing in the trades. So frustrating. At first I was thinking this guy talked to much but as I listened I realized it takes a lot of talking to simplify it for people like me. The Wago connectors way to damn expensive though. There is a reason why wire nuts been used forever simple and works great if it nstslled correctly . Does cut down on time for sure though .
My husband and I have been watching videos trying to figure out how to wire our old house. I have been so confused i didn't want to watch any more. Then he put your video on and wow, i think even I could do it! You are an amazing teacher! Thank you. We have subscribed 🎉
THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST 3 WAY WIRE VIDEO I HAVE EVER SEEN. EVEN AN IGNORAMOUS LIKE ME CAN NOW WIRE A 3 WAY SWITCH IN MULTIPLE WAYS. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
Wow! Sometimes we come across an instructor who can make what we have struggled with for years seem so simple. You are a gifted man. I love how you repeat yourself. Some of us need that. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and understanding with us.
I'm sure that somewhere in the distant future, several lights years away, someone will come up with an easier explanation. But for the next couple of thousands of years, this will have to do! Superb video. You are a Godsend!
You are a good teacher. You are not talking too much. I like the way you teach. A suggestion. Since the 14/3 white wire from top connecting to the light fixture is never used and you are taping it with black tape to the second 14/3 white wire at the second switch, why not connect the first 14/3 white wire at the top to the power source (which is the black wire from 14/2)) and tape the white wire with the black tape like you did on the second 14/3 white wire at the second switch. This way, the color of power wire is consistent all the way to the first switch at the end, except for the black wire from the power source (14/2 black wire). That means the 14/3 red wire at the light fixture will not be used at all. This way, the black wire (14/2 black wire) is connected to black-taped white wires all the way to the first switch. This will make it much clearer at the end. The way you have it right now is that you have three different color wires coming from the power source (14/2 cable): Black, Red and then Black-taped White. It would be better Black wire (from 14/2 power source) connecting black-taped white wires (14/3 wires) all the way to the last switch.
Hmmm, maybe I'm missing something here, but since one wire of the 14/3 from the light fixture to the 1st 3-way is not used, you actually only need to use 14/2 wire. Then just add black tape to (both ends of) the white wire going down to the switch, since it will be hot. Please correct me if I'm not looking at this right. These are very thorough and detailed videos for 3-way switch installation. Excellent work!
@@wuddayameen OK. I think I have this figured out. NEC 404.2 requires a neutral at the light switch. This requirement was tightened up in 2023. This now basically means that a switch loop is not allowed (from the fixture down to the switch) using the neutral as a hot connection. The solution is that 3 wire cable must be used so that there is a hot, hot return and a neutral at the light switch. I think this was originally added some time back due to the proliferation of electronic devices (e.g. motion switches) that could be installed at the switch box but that actually have to have a neutral wire to work.
@@Lonerider191 Was going to say the same thing. I have been replacing some existing 3 ways (and single poles) with WiFi switches that do require the neutral wire. I am glad the person that wired our older home used 14/3 wiring for all the lights!
Like all the other comments I agree that your presentation style is thorough yet easy to grasp the concept. I too am an older (78) guy having rewired an entire 14 room Victorian, I still needed a refresher course. Thanks! Great job!
Thank you so much! I studied probably more than a dozen web sources trying to understand this very subject. Your's is by far the absolute best, handsdown, not even close. Very thorough, covers all the options, well organized, repeats major points, yet no wasted time, no hemming and hawing, great professional presentation all around. Thank you.
My grandpa was an electrician and this is the first thing he taught me when I was around 6-7 yrs old. He's passed away awhile ago but I'll never forget. I'm 37 now. Good vid. Didn't realize it would take me back so.
Ive built homes for 23 yrs now fiddled w electrical but only wired 1 house during which I learned a ton working with the electrician. Im so impressed by your clear instruction that Im subscribing. I will be expanding my small electrical kit to include a few of your tool recommendations. Very well done. Do more pls.
I don't comment much but just wanna say thanks for such a complete in depth video. I'm also a visual learner and this was exactly what I needed. Thank you
@@FixThisHouse And too funny, I actually put your method to work today in my big shop, and worked perfectly first shot! I started a 30 x 40 x 16 but the contractor screwed me over so I am having to do the electrical myself
I just did my first 3 way switch, following your youtube instruction video. Thank you for your easy to follow instructions. My wife was on me to put a light switch leading to downstairs basement, even though I had previously installed one, but adding a 3 way gave her options, lol. She is finally off my back..lol Mission accomplished. Thank you. Ben from North Carolina.
This is by far the best explanation of the 3-way switch I have ever seen. I am now confident about how to install this circuit and not having to move wires around until it works correctly. Thank you so much!
WOW!!!!!! 20 years ago I bought 3 way wire and switches to make my upstairs-downstairs on off. I never got it installed because I did not understand. Now it’s clear, good job! Switches going in tomorrow. Thank you
I love seeing someone giving electrical advice on UA-cam and giving great, in depth, code-compliant information. Far too often you get bad advice that can lead to injury or worse. Thank you for knowing and teaching the proper way to approach diy work.
@@Krunch2020 So it would be fair to say that maybe the explanation given in the video regarding the use of 14/3 cable down to the switch box isn't as clear as it needs to be.
@@adamevans998 my thiking also. if you are to consider cost of the project in a real life situation I would be wiring lets say a corridor 100m in length. then using the 14/3 then having the loner terminated within the first switch box, would it be more economical if you were to use a 14/2 earthed as you used in the first method between the two switch box then have the neutral wire not coming from our light fixture. kindly clarify
You absolutely saved me from pulling out all of my hair. My house was wired by a newborn, and where your wiring should have been, there was a mess of laziness left by whomever did the wiring in this house. Step 3 was exactly what i was looking for, and i followed it by the numbers, and it worked. Thank you so much!
THANK YOU!!! This was the video I’ve been searching for the past 4 hours. I’m so glad I found this. Informative, easy to understand, I loved everything about your presentation (arrow labels, zooming in and pausing to let us see the wire set up and directions and cues). I’m subscribed to your channel now. Keep up the FANTASTIC WORK!
I used your single pole switch video as a refresher for adding a switch to a new fixture in my garage. Now I'm here just checking out your other content. Very good videos even 2 years later after they were posted!
Hands down, one of the best video clip l've ever watched on UA-cam; informative and thorough. The gentleman himself sounds like a great person, so modest. Thank you Sir! And happy holidays to everyone!
You do NOT talk too much. In fact, for a novice like me, your videos are crystal clear, thorough, and very encouraging. After watching this video, I was able to plan the best way to wire the circuit and carry it out - slowly but safely. Thank you.
This video is the best wiring for 3 way switches I have ever seen! The fact that you repeat yourself is invaluable, stop apologizing, you are teaching and doing an awesome job!!! Great job🥳
My brother you are truly a great teacher, I know I'm a year to late but boy I learn so much. I'm a DIY and most of the time I do some electrical work but never can comprehend the three way hook up. Now that I purchase my new home someone try a similar hook up to the garage but can't turn it on from end or off from the other end. Thank you for this well scripted video I love it.
My dad has been an electrician for 40 years. Never really showed me much. I am terrible at school. But the time you take to re explain things over & over is just what a guy like me needed. I saved this video. Thanks for taking the time to make this. Big Time!
Finally, after 25 yrs of dealing with the 3 way switches in my house that were never wired correctly, I have them all working perfectly because of this video. Thank you so much for explaining so that virtually anyone can understand.
@@FixThisHouse Hey great stuff! Do you prefer to use those wire connectors vs wire nuts? I'm building a house this summer and going to do the electrical so just trying to figure out the best stuff to use. Also, would you run outlets in pigtails? It's not code where I'm at but I see some people recommend only doing pigtails and others say to just connect to the screws on the outlet.
i haven't even completed watching the video yet with minutes to spare and just wanted to say thank you for the lesson. i know and understand basic electrical but never understood until now how three way switches worked. thank you!
Totally awesome video and you have our permission to talk all you want it's easy to listen when a instructor is so focused God Almighty continue to bless you and your family well done.
You are a excellent teacher You explain things that people can understand 3 way switches have always been hard to understand depending on where the power source is coming from but you explained it in a way that's understandable Thanks for taking the time to teach!!
Thanks young man! I live (9 yrs) in a "slumlorded" apartment in Jersey. One of the two, three way switches was a dimmer and it never worked right and finally quit all together. I bought 2 new switches and only after watching all three of your systems, was I able to fix this birds nest! I'm gonna charge him like a journeyman! HA. I appreciate your help.
Thank you very much for making this video!. Of all the videos I seen for wiring a 3 way switch, yours is the only one that explained to me how to wire it with the light fixture in different positions in the wire run. THANK YOU FOR THIS!!!
Seriously the best channel for learning how to do basic wiring. Examples are clean and easy to understand. Totally rescued me when I doing what should have been an easy switch replacement, this video helped me understand what should be happening so I could undo the previous persons weird work. Thank you!
Thank you for the video on the three-way switches. I’ve been stressing for days trying to figure out this pattern and I know you repeat yourself a lot of times but it was very helpful. Just want to say thank you.
THANK YOU!!!!!!! So I have been fighting with my three way switch for a few days now off and on. I watched several videos and not one showed all 3 methods most showed one way or two ways only. I happened to have #3 with the light in the middle and the 3 way switched at each end. It would work off of both switched but only if the other switch was on or off I couldn’t make it work each time from Both ends no matter the switch possions. The issue was my white traveler wire was hooked up to the light instead of the main hot wire coming from the first switch. This video solved my issue these lights have never worked for the last 13 years so once again I really appreciate the vid. Subscribed!!!
Just started watching this and already it makes more sense and more basics than any I've seen thus far. I love that you use real tools and material up close and break it down as you go. A real video. A great video. Ty.
Love your video and have come back several times to watch the variations. One variation of the three-way switch I’m having a really hard time finding is one where the power comes into the switchbox, and then both the three wire to the other switch, and the two wire to the lights come out of that same box. Might be a great video for someone as I can’t find it anywhere
Fantastic and thorough video. Actually one of the best out there. If there is anything more it would be to explain the flow of power at the different stages of the switch use. Really great video and appreciated!
I followed your video on - Light Fixture Middle-Of-Run (Power going to light switches first. The Best explanation I have found. I struggled with other videos from so called professionals, using their explanations. Results were they pale in comparison to yours. I experienced no light, popped breakers etc. I did have to run a new power source to the first box. I don't know who wired my 3 ways but it was done wrong. Thanks for an excellent video! I used the Wago wire connectors. I like Shrimp too!
Thank you so much. My husband stumbled on it while looking for wiring help. You explained everything efficiently without making people feel stupid. Thank you so much
Great job , I’ve done many of these before it gets crazy when everything is covered up in the walls especially when wires are much older, but i do want to mention I carry white wire tape and a marker then i mark the wire as i go along hence the white tape to write on the other thing i do is if i do use a white wire for a black conversion i use my marker and either dot the white partially or make strips on the white to represent the black conversion and finally i tape the switches and outlets so that no screws are ever exposed to avoid them touching ground or metal boxes plus your fingers.
Don't apologize about babbling. I appreciate the info you go over. Alot of people skip doing that because they worry about that but for me I sometimes need that repetition to understand it or to confirm that I understand it so thank you!
Ive seen sevral videos on 3 way switches but rarely anyone explain as well as you. I know there is a lot of us that get impatient with long videos it is much easier to understand why and how things should be done.
Just to make things easier for me, I do red on right because it has an r, and black on left because it has an L. Saves a lot of time running back and forth if you don't remember which wire or screw you used. Just a trick my grandfather taught me. Just a suggestion to make things easier. I also do the same for automotive wiring for trailers. I use green for right directional and yellow for left directional for the same reason. Makes wiring a little simpler.
This is my second video I give a like. I’m so grateful for people love ke you!!! I’ve never seen someone explaining this the way you do. Every challenge with electricity I have, you save me. Thank you so much!!!
I for one REALLY appreciate 'Fix This House'! Thank you so much! You are a **top-notch** teacher -maybe the best I have seen. You also seem to be a great person, too! Very clear and very thorough.
Thank you for solving our frustrations--take time to absorb this video--a few notes were good for us too!! You are a great teacher!! we see the lights now!!!
Best three way demo video hands down. There is yet a fourth method worth mentioning, power to fixture with fixture in middle of run. Incidentally this method is now illegal because it leaves no neutral available at either switch location, and is more common in homes built before the 1980s.
Thank you sir. Showing all three ways to run a 3 way is really helpful. My problem was not knowing which wires were which because there behind the sheetrock. I had to use multimeter to identify the wires from 2nd switch to light fixture j box and your help showing how the wiring is connected in that box helped a lot, 👍
Great job demonstrating this. When I first saw it was an hour long I couldn't imagine what would take so long. Now I see why. Added this to my Favorites list for future reference. Given the quality of the electrical installation in our house, I'm pretty certain I'll be putting this information to good use.
This is the best explanation i have every seen! I did not realize that what has always confused me was the location of the light in the circuit. Thank you very much!
Excellent instructional video. You are very good at explaining every detail very clearly. I like how you go over everything twice. You are the GOAT of all DIY how to do electrical you tubers. Thank you.
You making the different ways a person can find the set up in one video is so very considerate! Thanks so much. I have two lights, one at the top and one at the bottom of the staircase so i will be doing option three but with 2 lights in the middle.
I like your method of wiring more than the others because you do it in sequence carefully, slowly and put all those wires in order instead of mix and match on the second switch. Great job well done.
Thank you so much for such an informative video! You have helped me understand it completely. Now I am extremely confident with installing the 3-way switch. Thank you for introducing me to the Wago wire connectors! I’m definitely going to use them.
Great video and explains it very well. Nicely done. Example two, you could have just ran a 2 wire from the light box down to your first switch instead of a 3 wire. You just capped the neutral wire in that switch box. 2 wire is cheaper and could make a difference depending on how long the run is in a real situation. Either way. Great video
I totally agree it's a definite waste of 3 conductor wire and with the cost of wire it's just more economical and if anyone else gets in there they might be a little confused 😕.
Absolutely PHENOMENAL video!!! Those arrow stickers AND your recaps on each section made things so simple to follow and understand! GREAT JOB!..........and I want shrimp😁
Thank u so much! I usually dread replacing 3-ways because it never works the first time Just replaced ancient 3-ways at my best friend's house. Really appreciate you taking the time and explaining the different configurations for 3-way. Never knew! That was tremendously helpful and explains why I ran into issues b4. I knew hers was with light in the middle. Had to make a minor tweak and change the white/black around on the 2d switch, so it is working now. Thank you again.
This video has helped out a lot. I'm currently in school being taught electrical work, which I was struggling to understand. I now feel like I have learned something that took my school 8 weeks to teach.
This is the best 3-Way switch video I have watched!! You are so detailed and thorough with explaining every step and I can easily understand how this works!! I now feel confident and will attempt to replace my 3-way light switches!! Thank you so much for this awesome video!!
Wow! Very well done, you are a great teacher for this complicated subject. Thank you for investing your time, expense and energy to help us understand this important subject! Thank You!
Some of these wiring methods result in no neutral wire at one of the switches. Current codes in most locations may require a neutral wire at all switches, which is really nice if you ever want to install a smart switch. Your code might just require a neutral at one switch for 3-way switches, but having a neutral at all of them may turn out to be really helpful in the future even if not strictly required. However, doing it right would require using 14/4 Romex instead of 14/3, which adds a blue wire (to use instead of the relabeled white). Of course, 14/4 wire is very rare, so in most cases, you would just run two sets of 14/2. But wire is expensive, so it's up to you whether having a neutral at each switch is important.
2017 electrical code calls for 3 wire from light fixture to box#1 and 4 wire between switch boxes. Reidentified neutrals will no longer pass inspection. If there is no inspection being done, this method will work fine, as it has for many years past.
Running 14-2 to the first 3 way switch, 14-3 to the 2nd 3 way switch and then 14-2 to the light will give you neutrals at both switches without resorting to expensive and hard to find 14-4 wire. Having neutrals in both switch boxes is ideal but not always feasible when working with existing wiring in older homes.
@@jerseyjim9092 that's all we ever do in new construction. We only use dead end three ways in existing construction, for adding another switch, with 14/3 and use the red and white re-identified as hot, for the travellers and the black for common. The downside to this is there's no neutral, and in some jurisdictions they will fail you for that even though the NEC requires a neutral at one of the boxes at multi switch locations. So sometimes in a remodel where the inspectors are really strict we run two sets of 14/2 one set for power and the other set for the travellers, I use red phase tape around the white traveller, and cap the neutral off. I could use 14/2/2 or 14/4 in this situation, but that is a special order item and is very expensive.
thank you for your attention to detail and clearly showing how and why wiring is done. I was glad to see you use 14/3 wiring as that has confused me on other jobs I've encountered.
I always wanted to know how a three way switch worked, and how it is done and which wires to use. Thanks for the info and you clearly made it easy to understand how it works.
Thank you for this video. I am a 70 year old female that needed to wire workshop lights in my she shed. After watching video several times and taking notes, my lights worked flawlessly the first time around. Very easy to understand your instructions.
I’m glad I could be of help and great job! I’m so happy for your project success! 🙏🏽😊🙌🏽
@wsamharris9261 Electricity doesn't care about your gender or your age.
@@silekiernanphotography 🙄
@@FixThisHouse😊😅mi
Ang galing! Bilib na ako! Salamat!
From a teacher to another, if you are not an instructor in a Tech. school, you should be. You have a wonderful way of presenting by making something that might be complicated into something that is easy to accomplish. Thank you for taking the time to teach us about wiring 3 way switches. August Thurmer
Great video
I learned so much
Agreed. Electric has to be the hardest easy thing in the trades. So frustrating. At first I was thinking this guy talked to much but as I listened I realized it takes a lot of talking to simplify it for people like me. The Wago connectors way to damn expensive though. There is a reason why wire nuts been used forever simple and works great if it nstslled correctly . Does cut down on time for sure though .
@@joebly5641sounds like the right way to me good job of explaining
Best instructor I've ever seen. Patient and thorough.
Amen!
My husband and I have been watching videos trying to figure out how to wire our old house. I have been so confused i didn't want to watch any more. Then he put your video on and wow, i think even I could do it! You are an amazing teacher! Thank you. We have subscribed 🎉
I’m glad I could be of help! I wish you the best on your project! Thank you so much for the meaningful comment! Really means a lot! Thank you! 🙏🏽😊
Thanks for show me how to wire light fixtures. Gentleman have a wonderful nice Christmas and you love one. thk. againt.
THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST 3 WAY WIRE VIDEO I HAVE EVER SEEN. EVEN AN IGNORAMOUS LIKE ME CAN NOW WIRE A 3 WAY SWITCH IN MULTIPLE WAYS. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
I’m glad I could be of help! 🙏🏽😊
"Ignoramous", that's funny af😂
Wow! Sometimes we come across an instructor who can make what we have struggled with for years seem so simple. You are a gifted man. I love how you repeat yourself. Some of us need that. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and understanding with us.
I'm sure that somewhere in the distant future, several lights years away, someone will come up with an easier explanation. But for the next couple of thousands of years, this will have to do! Superb video. You are a Godsend!
You are a good teacher. You are not talking too much. I like the way you teach.
A suggestion. Since the 14/3 white wire from top connecting to the light fixture is never used and you are taping it with black tape to the second 14/3 white wire at the second switch, why not connect the first 14/3 white wire at the top to the power source (which is the black wire from 14/2)) and tape the white wire with the black tape like you did on the second 14/3 white wire at the second switch. This way, the color of power wire is consistent all the way to the first switch at the end, except for the black wire from the power source (14/2 black wire). That means the 14/3 red wire at the light fixture will not be used at all. This way, the black wire (14/2 black wire) is connected to black-taped white wires all the way to the first switch. This will make it much clearer at the end. The way you have it right now is that you have three different color wires coming from the power source (14/2 cable): Black, Red and then Black-taped White. It would be better Black wire (from 14/2 power source) connecting black-taped white wires (14/3 wires) all the way to the last switch.
Hmmm, maybe I'm missing something here, but since one wire of the 14/3 from the light fixture to the 1st 3-way is not used, you actually only need to use 14/2 wire. Then just add black tape to (both ends of) the white wire going down to the switch, since it will be hot. Please correct me if I'm not looking at this right.
These are very thorough and detailed videos for 3-way switch installation. Excellent work!
@@Lonerider191 I was wondering the same thing (Method 2). Why use 3-wire from light to first switch when 1 wire (white) is not used?
@@wuddayameen
OK. I think I have this figured out. NEC 404.2 requires a neutral at the light switch. This requirement was tightened up in 2023. This now basically means that a switch loop is not allowed (from the fixture down to the switch) using the neutral as a hot connection. The solution is that 3 wire cable must be used so that there is a hot, hot return and a neutral at the light switch. I think this was originally added some time back due to the proliferation of electronic devices (e.g. motion switches) that could be installed at the switch box but that actually have to have a neutral wire to work.
@@Lonerider191 Was going to say the same thing. I have been replacing some existing 3 ways (and single poles) with WiFi switches that do require the neutral wire. I am glad the person that wired our older home used 14/3 wiring for all the lights!
Repetition is the soul of good teaching. THANK YOU for such a clear explanation.
Thank you so much for the feedback Jason! Have a great day! 👍🏽😊🙏🏽
Like all the other comments I agree that your presentation style is thorough yet easy to grasp the concept. I too am an older (78) guy having rewired an entire 14 room Victorian, I still needed a refresher course. Thanks! Great job!
Thank you so much! I studied probably more than a dozen web sources trying to understand this very subject. Your's is by far the absolute best, handsdown, not even close. Very thorough, covers all the options, well organized, repeats major points, yet no wasted time, no hemming and hawing, great professional presentation all around. Thank you.
Sparky is good.
I knowww Right isn't he!! I agree!
My grandpa was an electrician and this is the first thing he taught me when I was around 6-7 yrs old. He's passed away awhile ago but I'll never forget. I'm 37 now. Good vid. Didn't realize it would take me back so.
Fantastic video no wiggly camera no speed up no music straightforward classroom Work 🙏 THANK YOU so much!😊 BTW I ❤ 🍤 wrap!
Ive built homes for 23 yrs now fiddled w electrical but only wired 1 house during which I learned a ton working with the electrician. Im so impressed by your clear instruction that Im subscribing. I will be expanding my small electrical kit to include a few of your tool recommendations. Very well done. Do more pls.
I don't comment much but just wanna say thanks for such a complete in depth video. I'm also a visual learner and this was exactly what I needed. Thank you
Absolute fantastic instructional video! If you are not an instructor for an electrician school, you damn well should be! Well done sir!
Thank you so much Rob! Your feedback means a lot! 🙏🏽😊
@@FixThisHouse And too funny, I actually put your method to work today in my big shop, and worked perfectly first shot! I started a 30 x 40 x 16 but the contractor screwed me over so I am having to do the electrical myself
I just did my first 3 way switch, following your youtube instruction video. Thank you for your easy to follow instructions. My wife was on me to put a light switch leading to downstairs basement, even though I had previously installed one, but adding a 3 way gave her options, lol. She is finally off my back..lol Mission accomplished.
Thank you.
Ben from North Carolina.
This is by far the best explanation of the 3-way switch I have ever seen. I am now confident about how to install this circuit and not having to move wires around until it works correctly. Thank you so much!
Thank so much for the feedback! I’m glad I could be of help! 😊🙏🏽
You say that again!!!
WOW!!!!!! 20 years ago I bought 3 way wire and switches to make my upstairs-downstairs on off. I never got it installed because I did not understand. Now it’s clear, good job! Switches going in tomorrow. Thank you
Thank you so much for the feedback and I’m glad I could be of help! 🙏🏽😊 I wish you the best on your project!
So helpful!! Thank you! No one has ever explained the info in the J box even in beginner’s videos.
This was a very helpful video. I was puzzled. Thank you for making this and helping us!
I love seeing someone giving electrical advice on UA-cam and giving great, in depth, code-compliant information. Far too often you get bad advice that can lead to injury or worse. Thank you for knowing and teaching the proper way to approach diy work.
The " volt claw " is the tool I needed in my life thanks brother!
Great vid! For the second method, from the light to the first switch, 14/2 romex can be used instead of 14/3 romex.
That is what I thought. Thank you.
Not according to code. You must have a ground wire in at least one switch box for modern electronic switches. You will definitely need 14/3.
@@Krunch2020 So it would be fair to say that maybe the explanation given in the video regarding the use of 14/3 cable down to the switch box isn't as clear as it needs to be.
@@adamevans998 my thiking also. if you are to consider cost of the project in a real life situation I would be wiring lets say a corridor 100m in length. then using the 14/3 then having the loner terminated within the first switch box, would it be more economical if you were to use a 14/2 earthed as you used in the first method between the two switch box then have the neutral wire not coming from our light fixture. kindly clarify
You absolutely saved me from pulling out all of my hair. My house was wired by a newborn, and where your wiring should have been, there was a mess of laziness left by whomever did the wiring in this house. Step 3 was exactly what i was looking for, and i followed it by the numbers, and it worked. Thank you so much!
I’m glad I could be of help! Thank you so much for the kind words! 🙏🏽😊
THANK YOU!!!
This was the video I’ve been searching for the past 4 hours. I’m so glad I found this. Informative, easy to understand, I loved everything about your presentation (arrow labels, zooming in and pausing to let us see the wire set up and directions and cues). I’m subscribed to your channel now. Keep up the FANTASTIC WORK!
I used your single pole switch video as a refresher for adding a switch to a new fixture in my garage. Now I'm here just checking out your other content. Very good videos even 2 years later after they were posted!
Thank you so much for the love and support! 🙏🏽😊
Hands down, one of the best video clip l've ever watched on UA-cam; informative and thorough. The gentleman himself sounds like a great person, so modest. Thank you Sir! And happy holidays to everyone!
You do NOT talk too much. In fact, for a novice like me, your videos are crystal clear, thorough, and very encouraging. After watching this video, I was able to plan the best way to wire the circuit and carry it out - slowly but safely. Thank you.
This video is the best wiring for 3 way switches I have ever seen! The fact that you repeat yourself is invaluable, stop apologizing, you are teaching and doing an awesome job!!! Great job🥳
Thank you so much for the feedback! 🙏🏽😊
ikr? he should do a collab with Leah @ See Jane Drill & Brent @ BYOT!
My brother you are truly a great teacher, I know I'm a year to late but boy I learn so much. I'm a DIY and most of the time I do some electrical work but never can comprehend the three way hook up. Now that I purchase my new home someone try a similar hook up to the garage but can't turn it on from end or off from the other end. Thank you for this well scripted video I love it.
I’m glad I could be of help! Thank you so much for the meaningful comment my friend 🙏🏽😊
My dad has been an electrician for 40 years. Never really showed me much. I am terrible at school. But the time you take to re explain things over & over is just what a guy like me needed. I saved this video. Thanks for taking the time to make this. Big Time!
not a good dad , u should let him know .
Don’t wait for someone to show you. Gotta look for it
I’m so glad to find a good teacher the one teach the easy way to connect what ever electric connection, thank you
Finally, after 25 yrs of dealing with the 3 way switches in my house that were never wired correctly, I have them all working perfectly because of this video. Thank you so much for explaining so that virtually anyone can understand.
Of all the videos I’ve watched on 3 way switches, this is BY FAR THE BEST ! Thank you.
I have seen several other videos, but this video is by far the best, thank you
Thank you so much! 🙏🏽😭 means a lot!
@@FixThisHouse Hey great stuff! Do you prefer to use those wire connectors vs wire nuts? I'm building a house this summer and going to do the electrical so just trying to figure out the best stuff to use. Also, would you run outlets in pigtails? It's not code where I'm at but I see some people recommend only doing pigtails and others say to just connect to the screws on the outlet.
@@yooper9062 Check with your local inspector who will pass or fail you.. You don't want to do it twice.
i haven't even completed watching the video yet with minutes to spare and just wanted to say thank you for the lesson. i know and understand basic electrical but never understood until now how three way switches worked. thank you!
Totally awesome video and you have our permission to talk all you want it's easy to listen when a instructor is so focused God Almighty continue to bless you and your family well done.
Thank you 🙏🏽!
Excellent video tutorials. Greetings from one of your subscribers from Canada 🇨🇦.
You are a excellent teacher You explain things that people can understand 3 way switches have always been hard to understand depending on where the power source is coming from but you explained it in a way that's understandable
Thanks for taking the time to teach!!
Thanks young man! I live (9 yrs) in a "slumlorded" apartment in Jersey. One of the two, three way switches was a dimmer and it never worked right and finally quit all together. I bought 2 new switches and only after watching all three of your systems, was I able to fix this birds nest! I'm gonna charge him like a journeyman! HA. I appreciate your help.
Thank you very much for making this video!. Of all the videos I seen for wiring a 3 way switch, yours is the only one that explained to me how to wire it with the light fixture in different positions in the wire run. THANK YOU FOR THIS!!!
Thank you so much for the feedback! Thank you for the love and support as well! 🙏🏽😊
Seriously the best channel for learning how to do basic wiring. Examples are clean and easy to understand. Totally rescued me when I doing what should have been an easy switch replacement, this video helped me understand what should be happening so I could undo the previous persons weird work. Thank you!
this is the best tutorial on the tube!!!! man, you should be a teacher!!!!.
🙏🏽🥰
You're not talking too much, you're reviewing everything which makes it easier to understand well..
Thank you!!!
Thank you for the video on the three-way switches. I’ve been stressing for days trying to figure out this pattern and I know you repeat yourself a lot of times but it was very helpful. Just want to say thank you.
I’m glad I could be of help! Thank you so much for your patience and feedback! 🙏🏽😊
THANK YOU!!!!!!!
So I have been fighting with my three way switch for a few days now off and on. I watched several videos and not one showed all 3 methods most showed one way or two ways only.
I happened to have #3 with the light in the middle and the 3 way switched at each end.
It would work off of both switched but only if the other switch was on or off I couldn’t make it work each time from
Both ends no matter the switch possions.
The issue was my white traveler wire was hooked up to the light instead of the main hot wire coming from the first switch.
This video solved my issue these lights have never worked for the last 13 years so once again I really appreciate the vid.
Subscribed!!!
Just started watching this and already it makes more sense and more basics than any I've seen thus far. I love that you use real tools and material up close and break it down as you go. A real video. A great video. Ty.
Very well explained! Only understood the first one! Glad I'm not an electrician! I think to linear!
Great video. Thanks for putting it together. Figured out my 1890 house wiring that’s been added on several times. Thanks again
I’m glad I was able to help! Glad you figured out your wiring issue David! 🙏🏽😊👍🏽
Love your video and have come back several times to watch the variations. One variation of the three-way switch I’m having a really hard time finding is one where the power comes into the switchbox, and then both the three wire to the other switch, and the two wire to the lights come out of that same box. Might be a great video for someone as I can’t find it anywhere
this is the best video I ever seen on you tube, clistal clear and well explain, thank you so very much for your well teaching
Don't worry about talking too much,,,that's how we learn from folks ,like you! You're a great mentor
Thank you so much! 🙏🏽😊 have a great weekend!
Fantastic and thorough video. Actually one of the best out there. If there is anything more it would be to explain the flow of power at the different stages of the switch use. Really great video and appreciated!
I followed your video on - Light Fixture Middle-Of-Run (Power going to light switches first. The Best explanation I have found. I struggled with other videos from so called professionals, using their explanations. Results were they pale in comparison to yours. I experienced no light, popped breakers etc. I did have to run a new power source to the first box. I don't know who wired my 3 ways but it was done wrong. Thanks for an excellent video! I used the Wago wire connectors. I like Shrimp too!
Thank you so much. My husband stumbled on it while looking for wiring help. You explained everything efficiently without making people feel stupid.
Thank you so much
Great job , I’ve done many of these before it gets crazy when everything is covered up in the walls especially when wires are much older, but i do want to mention I carry white wire tape and a marker then i mark the wire as i go along hence the white tape to write on the other thing i do is if i do use a white wire for a black conversion i use my marker and either dot the white partially or make strips on the white to represent the black conversion and finally i tape the switches and outlets so that no screws are ever exposed to avoid them touching ground or metal boxes plus your fingers.
Don't apologize about babbling. I appreciate the info you go over. Alot of people skip doing that because they worry about that but for me I sometimes need that repetition to understand it or to confirm that I understand it so thank you!
Best instruction (simple, clear, direct, and comprehensive). Even I can understand it. Feeling more confident. Thank you! Subscribed!
I’m glad I could be of help! Thank you so much for the love and support! 🙏🏽😊
So far the Best Demo for a DYI to follow - Well Done Sir and Thank You for your effort with discipline and detail explanation.
Thank you so much for the love and support! Means a lot! 🙏🏽😊
Thank you so much for the redundancy in your explanation. It removes all doubt as to how things should be done.
Thank you for your feedback! 🙏🏽😊
Ive seen sevral videos on 3 way switches but rarely anyone explain as well as you. I know there is a lot of us that get impatient with long videos it is much easier to understand why and how things should be done.
Thank you so much! 🙏🏽 I’m so happy I could be of help and that you appreciate the video 😊🙏🏽
Best videos I have seen - excruciatingly thorough but that's what the best teachers do. Thank you.
Just to make things easier for me, I do red on right because it has an r, and black on left because it has an L. Saves a lot of time running back and forth if you don't remember which wire or screw you used. Just a trick my grandfather taught me. Just a suggestion to make things easier. I also do the same for automotive wiring for trailers. I use green for right directional and yellow for left directional for the same reason. Makes wiring a little simpler.
This is my second video I give a like. I’m so grateful for people love ke you!!! I’ve never seen someone explaining this the way you do. Every challenge with electricity I have, you save me. Thank you so much!!!
I for one REALLY appreciate 'Fix This House'! Thank you so much! You are a **top-notch** teacher -maybe the best I have seen. You also seem to be a great person, too! Very clear and very thorough.
Thank you so much! 🙏🏽😭 means a lot!
this is one of the better tutorials on UA-cam. Your a good teacher.
Thank you so much for the kind feedback! 🙏🏽😊
Thank you for solving our frustrations--take time to absorb this video--a few notes were good for us too!! You are a great teacher!! we see the lights now!!!
Best three way demo video hands down. There is yet a fourth method worth mentioning, power to fixture with fixture in middle of run. Incidentally this method is now illegal because it leaves no neutral available at either switch location, and is more common in homes built before the 1980s.
Literally the best video I've ever seen for electrical work and you answered every single question I had that I couldn't find an answer for.
Thank you so much for the amazing feedback! 🙏🏽😊
This my friend will be millions view. Great job !
Thank you so much! 🙏🏽😊
This could not have been better!!! AWESOME JOB. Crystal clear. Highly recommended!
Thank you so much John! 🙏🏽😊
Thank you so much. You are an excellent instructor.
Thank you sir. Showing all three ways to run a 3 way is really helpful. My problem was not knowing which wires were which because there behind the sheetrock. I had to use multimeter to identify the wires from 2nd switch to light fixture j box and your help showing how the wiring is connected in that box helped a lot, 👍
Young man, you have a teaching talent. Thank you for the steps by steps procedures on how to do things the correct way.
Great job demonstrating this. When I first saw it was an hour long I couldn't imagine what would take so long. Now I see why. Added this to my Favorites list for future reference. Given the quality of the electrical installation in our house, I'm pretty certain I'll be putting this information to good use.
same here--we had a flood in our house so drywall came down--and we are rather horrified what was behind it...
This is the best explanation i have every seen! I did not realize that what has always confused me was the location of the light in the circuit. Thank you very much!
Excellent instructional video. You are very good at explaining every detail very clearly. I like how you go over everything twice. You are the GOAT of all DIY how to do electrical you tubers. Thank you.
Thank you so much for the amazing feedback! 😊🙏🏽
I have been watching videos on three way switch hook ups to find one I think my son in law could understand and this is the best I have found.
You making the different ways a person can find the set up in one video is so very considerate! Thanks so much. I have two lights, one at the top and one at the bottom of the staircase so i will be doing option three but with 2 lights in the middle.
I like your method of wiring more than the others because you do it in sequence carefully, slowly and put all those wires in order instead of mix and match on the second switch. Great job well done.
Thank you so much for such an informative video! You have helped me understand it completely. Now I am extremely confident with installing the 3-way switch. Thank you for introducing me to the Wago wire connectors! I’m definitely going to use them.
This is definitely the best video to explain how to wire 3 way switches. The detail taken to explain everything is amazing.
Great video and explains it very well. Nicely done. Example two, you could have just ran a 2 wire from the light box down to your first switch instead of a 3 wire. You just capped the neutral wire in that switch box. 2 wire is cheaper and could make a difference depending on how long the run is in a real situation. Either way. Great video
I totally agree it's a definite waste of 3 conductor wire and with the cost of wire it's just more economical and if anyone else gets in there they might be a little confused 😕.
Absolutely PHENOMENAL video!!! Those arrow stickers AND your recaps on each section made things so simple to follow and understand! GREAT JOB!..........and I want shrimp😁
I’m glad I could be of help!! Thank you so much for your feedback Brian! I want to go to grab shrimp again! Hehe
Thanks man! I've watched about 6 vids on 3-way switch wiring and then I found you. You're a great teacher, clear as day, and patient. Excellent job!
finally found someone who explains it while showing text on the screen thank you
I’m glad I could be of help! 👍🏽🙏🏽😊
GREAT INFO YOU HAVE GIVEN.
Thank you Dave! 🙏🏽😊
Thank u so much! I usually dread replacing 3-ways because it never works the first time Just replaced ancient 3-ways at my best friend's house. Really appreciate you taking the time and explaining the different configurations for 3-way. Never knew! That was tremendously helpful and explains why I ran into issues b4. I knew hers was with light in the middle. Had to make a minor tweak and change the white/black around on the 2d switch, so it is working now. Thank you again.
Very thorough video, great explanations, easy to follow
This video has helped out a lot. I'm currently in school being taught electrical work, which I was struggling to understand. I now feel like I have learned something that took my school 8 weeks to teach.
thank you for taking your time and being so clear. It really helps
Thank you for the feedback! 🙏🏽😊
Keep explaining how you explain. Everyone else does not do a good job with the details as you. Great job!!
This is the best 3-Way switch video I have watched!! You are so detailed and thorough with explaining every step and I can easily understand how this works!! I now feel confident and will attempt to replace my 3-way light switches!! Thank you so much for this awesome video!!
Thank you so much for the kind words! Means a lot 🙏🏽😊😭
Electrician here.
You've got some some really awesome videos, my man. Keep up the good work. 👍
Wow! Very well done, you are a great teacher for this complicated subject. Thank you for investing your time, expense and energy to help us understand this important subject! Thank You!
This pesentation is great. I like t when you repeat it. It helps me remember. God job. 😶👍
Man your a beast brother . I just love how you have o much patience to show . God bless . For reals out of all your one of the best . Respect
Thank you so much for the love and support brother 🙏🏽😭
Some of these wiring methods result in no neutral wire at one of the switches. Current codes in most locations may require a neutral wire at all switches, which is really nice if you ever want to install a smart switch. Your code might just require a neutral at one switch for 3-way switches, but having a neutral at all of them may turn out to be really helpful in the future even if not strictly required. However, doing it right would require using 14/4 Romex instead of 14/3, which adds a blue wire (to use instead of the relabeled white). Of course, 14/4 wire is very rare, so in most cases, you would just run two sets of 14/2. But wire is expensive, so it's up to you whether having a neutral at each switch is important.
2017 electrical code calls for 3 wire from light fixture to box#1 and 4 wire between switch boxes. Reidentified neutrals will no longer pass inspection. If there is no inspection being done, this method will work fine, as it has for many years past.
You're wrong use 14/3 between the two three-way switches and a 14-2 up to light
Running 14-2 to the first 3 way switch, 14-3 to the 2nd 3 way switch and then 14-2 to the light will give you neutrals at both switches without resorting to expensive and hard to find 14-4 wire. Having neutrals in both switch boxes is ideal but not always feasible when working with existing wiring in older homes.
@@jerseyjim9092 that's all we ever do in new construction. We only use dead end three ways in existing construction, for adding another switch, with 14/3 and use the red and white re-identified as hot, for the travellers and the black for common. The downside to this is there's no neutral, and in some jurisdictions they will fail you for that even though the NEC requires a neutral at one of the boxes at multi switch locations. So sometimes in a remodel where the inspectors are really strict we run two sets of 14/2 one set for power and the other set for the travellers, I use red phase tape around the white traveller, and cap the neutral off. I could use 14/2/2 or 14/4 in this situation, but that is a special order item and is very expensive.
@@Sparky-ww5re And the inspectors allow 2 runs of 14-2 in lieu of 14-4?.
thank you for your attention to detail and clearly showing how and why wiring is done. I was glad to see you use 14/3 wiring as that has confused me on other jobs I've encountered.
I always wanted to know how a three way switch worked, and how it is done and which wires to use. Thanks for the info and you clearly made it easy to understand how it works.
I’m glad I could be of help! Thank you for watching! 🙏🏽😊
Bro, love watch all your videos, you're explain very detail, learn a lot from you. Thank you
Thank you for the feedback and the love and support! 🙏🏽😊