Problem with 3 way/4 way switches
#1
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Problem with 3 way/4 way switches
I moved into a new house (new for us, not brand new). I am in the process of replacing outlets and some light fixtures. One issue that has me stumped is we have a switch at bottom of stairs and two up that control hallway light up. If down has been used sometimes lights cant be turned back on with switches up. Where should I start? Is this a case that i have 3 three way switches and one should be a 4th or sound more like they are just mis wired? Any suggestions would be great. Thanks.
#2
Two 3 ways are used if something is controlled from 2 locations. Four ways are used when there more than 2 switches in addition to the 2 3 ways.
Sounds like a common is transposed with a traveler.
Sounds like a common is transposed with a traveler.
#4
First identify which two switches are three ways. Those will be the ones with only three terminals and maybe a ground screw. Tell us how many 3-conductor cables (red, black, white) and how many 2-conductor cables (black, white) and how they are wired. Do you have a a multimeter? (A non contact tester won't do the job.) We will also need to know the wiring at the light.
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Guys,
I finally had time to get back to this project. The switches are as follows:
Bottom of stairs: three wires: black, red and white
Up top stairs: three wires: 2 black, one red (also some white in box in screw caps)
Up stairs hall: four wires, 2 black, 2 red
What can i check next. Thx.
John
I finally had time to get back to this project. The switches are as follows:
Bottom of stairs: three wires: black, red and white
Up top stairs: three wires: 2 black, one red (also some white in box in screw caps)
Up stairs hall: four wires, 2 black, 2 red
What can i check next. Thx.
John
#8
What can i check next.
Originally Posted by ray2047
First identify which two switches are three ways. Those will be the ones with only three terminals and maybe a ground screw.
Bottom of stairs: three wires: black, red and white
Up top stairs: three wires: 2 black, one red (also some white in box in screw caps)
Up top stairs: three wires: 2 black, one red (also some white in box in screw caps)
Up stairs hall: four wires, 2 black, 2 red
Originally Posted by ray2047
Tell us how many 3-conductor cables (red, black, white) and how many 2-conductor cables (black, white) and how they are wired.
It appears that the switching for your upstairs hallway light may just not be connected properly. Let's assume for the moment that the 4-way switch is wired correctly. (There should be two white wires spliced together behind it, BTW.)
What can i check next.
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The ceiling fixture has a white and black wire. The downstairs 3 way has a red on the dark screw (black and a white on the other two) the upstairs has a black on the dark screw (black and a red on the other two). Thanks.
#11
One of those three places should have a two conductor cable that is always hot in addition to the cables mentioned. If there is only a single two conductor cable at the light then the most likely scenario is both a two conductor cable and a three conductor cable at each three way switch. If not describe in detail all cables and their wires at the four way switch.
#13
The downstairs 3 way has a red on the dark screw (black and a white on the other two)
The ceiling fixture has a white and black wire