I am changing a single pole switch to a 3way so when I come in from the garage I do not have to cross a dark room to a light switch. The supply and fixture lines are in the old box. I ran 3-way wire to the new box. I wired it as follows supply black to white leg of new 3-way wire [taped to black]. white from light and supply stayed wired nutted together. In the old box I put the black from the light on the top left screw. The red from the new box on the bottom left screw and the black from the new box to the right screw. In the new box I have moved all the positions around and can not get the 3-way leg to work. Right now they are as follows: Red top left, Black bottom left and White/Black on the right.

I know I have the basics done right but what wires need to be moved in order for the 3-way to function? I asume I need to change the pattern at the old switch location.

I am tired of entering a dark room.... Thanks for the help.

Doug

 

The black the power cable coming into the first switch box must connect to the black common screw of that switch. The white of the power cable coming into the first switch box must be connected to the white going to the light fixture. The black of hte light fixture wire must be connected to the black of the 12/3 cable going to your second switch box and in the second switch box that black wire must connect to the black common screw of that switch. The red and white wires of the 12/3 cable must be connected to the two brass screws of each switch in each switch box. In the light fixture box the black to the black and the white to the white.

Try the following link for a drawing that may help

http://homewiring.tripod.com/3waysame.html

Hope this does it for you let us know

Good Luck

Wg

 

Thanks I will move the wires around accordingly.

Doug