light operated by 6 switches. do i need special switch?
#1
11-29-14, 02:42 PM
light operated by 6 switches. do i need special switch?
i'm replacing switches after painting and this is one i've never seen the style of. i assume having the connectors on the front vs the side for the new switch is no biggie?
the left switch operates a hall lite that is turned on by 6 different switches. didnt know if there was anything special about that switch or just use the standard ones i have used before. left side of switch is the white wires and right side the black wires
switch on the right operates an outlet from 2 different places. white wire on the bottom left and 2 black wires on the right.
the left switch operates a hall lite that is turned on by 6 different switches. didnt know if there was anything special about that switch or just use the standard ones i have used before. left side of switch is the white wires and right side the black wires
switch on the right operates an outlet from 2 different places. white wire on the bottom left and 2 black wires on the right.
#2
11-29-14, 02:50 PM
Group Moderator
Some old style switches had the screw terminals in the front like that. The new switches will all be on the side.
The switch on the left is a four wire switch. On that particular lighting circuit you will have 2) three way switches and 4) four way switches.
The switch on right is a three way switch.
KEY POINT: There is a dark screw on ALL three way switches. When replacing three way switches make sure the same wire gets reconnected to the dark screw regardless of location on the switch.
The switch on the left is a four wire switch. On that particular lighting circuit you will have 2) three way switches and 4) four way switches.
The switch on right is a three way switch.
KEY POINT: There is a dark screw on ALL three way switches. When replacing three way switches make sure the same wire gets reconnected to the dark screw regardless of location on the switch.
#4
11-29-14, 09:10 PM
Group Moderator
Thanks Jim... I should have elaborated on the four way switches. The new switches can come either way as the diagram shows below. You will usually find 2) three wire cables in a four way switch location. You should see two distinct pairs. In my diagram I'm using red/black as one pair and red/black as the other pair. You could find any combination of colors on the switch.
Replace one switch at a time and make sure all switches work correctly before moving on.
Replace one switch at a time and make sure all switches work correctly before moving on.
