3-WAY SWITCH INSTALLATION - 3 Way Light Switches
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- Опубліковано 11 вер 2024
- This video shows step-by-step instructions on how to install a 3 way switch. This project starts with wires on new construction. With the proper tools and safety precautions, anyone can do this. NOTE: ALWAYS HAVE THE POWER TURNED OFF TO THE WIRES THAT YOU ARE HANDLING!!!!!!!!
Finally someone showed how to find the common!!! I have watched a bunch of videos and no one shows how to find the common. Thank you. Great video!
Glad it helped!
Dude. I know your video is old, but I just happened upon it while trying to figure out what I was doing wrong with my 3-ways. Your explanation saved me. You’re the absolute man among men.
Thanks for the nice comment and thanks for watching, Ben!
I agree, I watched many videos on this subject. By far this is the best. The postits with #1 and #2 really helped. Thank you so much. 👍
Thank you for the lesson. You especially helped me to establish the common wire on switch number one.
Glad it helped
Phil thank you so very much I had a electrician come over I want to charge me $250 to replace my two switches for my porch and living room that were together really made a big deal out of it I checked out your video did it myself and I am so proud thank you so very much for giving me confidence to do this myself thanks again you are the man thanks again David
Glad I could help
Like the pace, just right to watch and calibrate in your head. Keep this up!!!
THANKS, DAYNE! Hope you find my other videos just as useful!
This is the BEST video I've found yet for a DIY'er. Thanks a bunch. I can attempt to replace my switches now with confidence :)
Glad it helped! Thanks for commenting!
I've had a lifetime doing electrical work and now retired. This has been one of the best videos of how to install 3 ways I've seen.
THANKS!!!!
Spent over an hour... probably close to two trying to change out the switches. Assumed the black was the hot wire but it ended up the white was hot. Without your instructions on how to find the hot, we'd still be without a working switch. Thank you for the easy to follow, detailed instructions.
So glad my video helped you out! I hope my other ones are just as useful. Thanks for taking the time to comment
Excellent instruction. I don't see how anyone can make a mistake if they follow your video.
thanks, Tom!
Until now, this is the best explicit video. Thank you, I’ve been having trouble installing my switches, now I’m going to try this method. Blessings!
Thanks, Rafael! Let me know how your project worked out.
My wires are old barely noticeable but with your tip was able to complete my project Thanks Phil.
Glad it helped
Thank you so much! This is much better than the written instructions I’ve found...very clear.
GREAT! So glad my video helped you out, Kat!
Thank You for sharing SIR!! I've been fiddling with my 4-way switch wiring for a few hours now, only to find the other video I was following had me connecting to the wrong terminals. Yours is the one that set me straight and I thank you for it!
Love this! Thanks for taking the time to comment, Philo!
Nice , very nice explanation, im a retired federal welder , and certified electrician but my electrical license are expired, but very understandable video on 3 way switches....
That means a lot to me coming from a pro like yourself! Thank you so much for the nice comment!
Thanks Phil. Great explanation on how I need to troubleshoot my switch upgrades. I wish I had watched your video before trying it with my uneducated common sense approach, which was quite the failure. Thanks again.
Ron, sorry it took a while to see this comment, but thanks for the kind words. You made my day!
I give you 10 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 for this instructional video... I had different colour wires, and your explanation fixed that
So glad I can help you out, Roger! Thanks for the great comment!
Great video, thanks for explaining it so clearly. Appreciate it! Jerry
You're very welcome! THanks for taking the time to give positive feedback, Jerry!
Ok that was BY FAR the best video I’ve seen on 3 way switches!!!!!!!!
Thanks, John! Hope my other videos are helpful too.
Great explanation on how to wire a three way switch. Thanks a lot.
Thanks!
This is an excellent presentation on installation of three-way switches. I used this video to repair a non-working three way switch (it was an integrated wall timer Intermatic) in a kitchen. In the end, taking the wiring for both switches apart and following this video step-by-step allowed me to get new switches working on the first attempt. Thank you.
Glad it helped, Jesse! Thanks for taking the time to comment! I love the positive feedback.
Thanks! I could not find out what I was doing wrong. The explanation provided in the video did wonders.
You rock! The best tutorial ever.. you gave exactly what I need in a very simple way but precise details. Now I feel I can make money doing this. Thank you so much.
Awesome, thank you!
Excellent explanation, my 3-way works like a charm!
That's great, Vitaly!!!
Very clear and helpful--with this info I was able to solve a long standing issue with a three way connection at my house. One finding-some current detectors aren't sensitive enough to show exactly
which wire is hot so I had to use a meter.
Glad I can help! Thanks for the great feedback, Bill!
Bill Lawrence was
You sir... You. You're awesome. Thank you.
no, Eric.....YOU are awesome for taking the time to give positive feedback!
Finally !!!!! An explanation that is clear. Thank you! One thing though. I hear that you should always connect the ground wire first as an insurance if anything goes wrong meaning that the energy would go to that ground instead of thru you and then ground. Would this be right? Thanks again for the awesome explanation or should i say mansplanation lol.cheers!
Probably not a bad idea to hook up the ground first. However...... if you touch the hot wire, either way, you will get zinged! Glad you like my video. Thanks for the good words, my friend!
I subscribed because of this video!!! Thank you Sir!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SUBBING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So helpful, thank you for making it so easy!
No prob, Shila! So glad my video helped you out. Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
You are the greatest , I almost gave up until i seen your video.🍻
Glad I could help
Best job I have seen of explaining this issue and the solution. Easy to watch and easy to follow. Thank you very much for your help with this issue.
No problem, David! Thanks for taking the time to give positive feedback!
Very Good can't wait tomorrow my project Victory! Thanks!
Good luck!
Maybe one out of one hundred videos I see on the net are useful....this was one of them!!! Thanks for clear instructions on how to save me some serious cash. Thank you friend. Great job! ( of course I won't tell her you told me how to do this.)
HA! so glad to help a brother out!!! I got your back on this one, my friend! Thanks for the positive feedback!
Just what I needed
Just finished changing 2 3 way switches. My place has sprinkler system indoor (for ins). never changed one before.
This was a big help to me. I had three wires for my switch and I didn't know how to tell which one was which. Thanks for the great video!
Glad I can help you out, Kerry! Thanks for the positive feedback!
Great guide. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching!
What an awesome video. Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great Video, just what I was looking for
Glad you could help you out, John!
The end was the best part! Dong!!!
DONG!
Great video, very helpful.
Thanks!
Easy to follow...nice job..thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Great simple video, Phil. I corrected my switch problem in 30 seconds after viewing!
So good to know that my video helped you out! Thanks for taking the time to give positive feedback, Chuck!
On switch #2 the red and white will be the travelers same as on switch #1 and the black wire will be the common wire, again same as switch #1 no need to turn on the breaker and possibly get someone hurt. Changing out switches can be a dangerous project to undertake. Good Luck
I always check for the hot wires. I never rely on the colors if I didn't do the initial house wiring. I've seen some pretty bad wiring over the years. "Current reads copper, not color"..... has been my safety reminder. However, everyone seems to have their own technique, and this is mine. Thanks for watching and thank for your concern, Danny.
Fabulous. Thank you so much!
You are so welcome!
At 4:00 the video shows the wires at box #2 being tested for voltage and says that both travelers will have voltage. The way it’s shown in the video is not really correct because they won’t both have voltage at the same time. One traveler will have voltage when the switch at box #1 is in one position, and the other traveler will have voltage when the switch at box #1 is in the other position.
a few second before, I stated that the first switch was installed. Therefore, you can send current to the #2. That's why the red at #2 lit up.
Your explanation is great. My switches sometimes work properly from one end to the other. Sometimes I have to wibble the button in order to make it work. So, I assume that the switches have to be replaced. I will check the units for correct amperage. Is it common 15 amp. for just one hallway ceiling light? thanks, Phill.
sure sounds like you need to replace the switches. Another thing I've had happen over the years, is oxidized connections. When electricians plug the wires in, instead of hooking and screwing down, the connections sometimes have a bad contact. It really is superior to hook and screw down. oh... and yes....... 15 amp is common.
This is a great video for DIY's
THANKS!
Ok Phil very good explanation however i do have a question. My stairway lights are wired exactly like that however i would like to control my bottom light independent of my top hallway light im sure it is something easy i am missing but ive tried everything i know to do only to give up and wire it back to its original form with no independent control of bottom or top light, im ready to separate them permanently... Thx n advance
That is too hard to diagnose over the internet. Maybe someone else will read your comment, and reply with their experience. I've never had to do this, so I don't want to lead you in the wrong direction.
Great instruction. Thanks a lot.
Glad it was helpful, Majid!
Great video. Thanks. In my situation I found the common wire on #2 by using the using the #1 switch which alternated power between the two hot wires.
That works too! Thanks for the comment. Maybe it will help more people out.
I got confused at that part...how can both travelers be hot at the same time? You would have to toggle the switch to find each traveler right?
Great video you made it so simple to understand 2 thumbs up
Thanks, Edgar! Glad my video helped you out!
Thanks, that help me very much.
Glad to hear it, Martin!
Great video.Easy to follow, Thanks Phil
So glad I could help you, Norman! Thanks for the positive feedback!
Excellent
So helpful! Thank you.
You're welcome, Tim!
Thank you.
You're welcome!
Thank you!
You're welcome, Logan!
Yeah, thanks 😊.
No problem 😊
I am trying it right now I would like to see how to replace a wall plug contacted to a light switch.
Thank you so much for your help
Glad it helped
perfect video, just what i needed. i dont have a ground wire and so now know what that extra bottom screw is for. thanks!!!
Glad you liked my video, Anna! Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Great info ,but I have one problem, when I check for the common wire , all 3 show that they are hot. Now what?
could be several things. Is your wire tester set on too high of sensitivity. My can pick up current about 1 foot away. Best to separate the wires as far apart from each other as you can when testing individual wires. I'd check that first.
I already replaced my 3 way switches and just copied the (super old) old switch by lining up the ground wire screw side, and then detaching one wire and reattaching it one at a time, but old switch was always “upside down”... and now I’m terrified I miss wired and my house will burn down... the switches work fine... does that confirm I did it ok?
If the end product works well, then you did good. There's really only one way to do this.... and have it work right.
In my first year (we rewired 1 house per day) I was always terrified I'd make a mistake and burn some family to death. It never happened as far as I know
Shouldn't the white traveler wire be painted on its ends to indicate that it's not a neutral wire?
You can use colored tape if desired.
Good video, just earn a new subscriber
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SUBBING, VICTOR!!!!
Phil, I have a 3-way switch with an issue. I've identified the hot wire for switch #1 and connected the 1st switch as described in your video. However, when I go to my 2nd switch to test the cables as you do @3:42 in your video, only 1 of my traveler wires has current. Your video says both traveler wires should have current. Interestingly, both switches work, however, I have to turn the light off with the same switch that turned it on. If I attempt to turn the light off using the switch that did not turn it on, the light will just 'blink' but stay on. I found your video just searching youtube and I'm guessing the fact that only 1 traveler wire has current is my issue? This is clearly an in-wall wiring issue?
hmmmm..... I truly hate giving trouble shooting advice through text. A fella really has to be there to give good and safe advice. If I were you, I would unhook everything and start over. Follow each individual step once again, making sure you take your time.
@@PhilCrockett Absolutely understand. I actually figured out what the issue was. If I flip the switch to off/on, it changes which traveler has power. I've got it all hooked up and working now. Thanks for the reply!
So glad you figured it out. Most things are usually a simple fix. I've had to start over on projects many times. My mistakes are usually due to being in a rush, or fatigue.
Hi Phil. This was a great video. I have the exact same 4 wire setup. On the main switch that goes to the breaker one of the black wires is the live wire. I hooked it to the common screw. The white and red were hooked to the traveler screw. Now when I turn the power on there is only 1 live wire at the other switch. It is the red one. Hmm, So I hooked the 2 wires with no current to the 2 common wire screws and the live red to one of the traveler screws and the ground hooked up on both. It is acting very odd. If I keep the main switch in the off position I can flip it up and lights come on, flip it down they go off. Same scenario with the 2nd switch but in reverse. Now if I leave the main switch in the up position and go to the second switch both positions will keep the light on, reversed on the second switch. If I keep that one off and go to the first switch, both positions are on. Do you have any clue what this could be? Like I said I only had one live wire on the second switch. Thank you for taking the time to read this and any assistance that you may offer.
Mike
Mike.... I hate giving electrical advice for 'strange situations' without being there. I think, if I were you, I'd start over fresh and follow each step. Here's what I've seen over the years.....
Electricians stray from which color they use for different runs. The thing that always helps me, is to remember that electricity only knows one color..... and that's COPPER. Start trying to make sense of your situation by seeing and thinking about copper instead of color. That helps me all the time. you have to make sense of it. Not sure if this helped you, but i sure hope it did.
That bell scared the heck outta me!
HA! I just had the urge to throw that in there.
Phil this is a great video but I have run into a problem. The house has X10 master and slave 3 Way switches but none of the rest of the automation system. When I I took out the two switches ("slave" at top of stairs and "master" at the bottom) then restored power I had a "hot" wire (red) at the top box and a hot wire (white ) at the bottom box as well. two "hot wires so not sure what to do next.
Any thought or advice appreciated.
I don't like giving electrical advice over text. Very dangerous to do..... here's what I'd do..... 1st.....go to a big box hardware store and look up your situation in a 'how-to' book. If you can't find the solution, then hire out. Fires aren't worth it.
Good
Glad you liked my video!
Dear Phil, we have a smart switch that needs a installation video, are you interested?
Of course! What brand / model is it?
It would have helped to include the missing information of where to connect the lights. Anyone doing a new install would need that.
that would be a great video on how to install a light on a 3-way switch. good idea
Good info thanks Phil .
You bet! Thanks for the positive feedback!
Why choose the yellow and how would you know why you did later? 5:26
Not really sure what you're asking
When I check both set of wires, I have a hot at both ends. Why is that?
the dead wires may be conducting collateral energy from wires that are touching or in close proximity
But what if you had a switch outlet combo how would you wire this up?
That's great idea for another video. I should do one.
You would need 4 wire with ground instead of 3 wire with ground unless there is already a neutral while wire in the box.
How to install a Boran 3 way exhaust light and heater fan
uhhh.......... how to install a 3-way switch. huh?
my old three way swith has only three screws ?
RIght. the ground screw is missing.
Is the process the same for 3 switches that control two lights?
No.
where is the light in this circuit?
ceiling
@@PhilCrockett ceiling maybe a physical location. My question was where is the light in the circuit. I.E. how is it electrically connected. This vid is good but only good for replacing switches, not laying out a circuit.
ah.... I see. That may be another video I should do.
IBEW Electrician says "Screws on plate do not match final position ... Phil... "
Not sure what you’re trying to say. ?
0:56 voltage, not current .
PS, down here we call it 2 way, not 3 way
interesting.
Tu
coo