I wanted to change a toggle 3-way switch to the rocker one on top of the stairs but ends up the ceiling light is not working as expected, can't turn off at the other end (bottom of stairs) and then back on. I tried to connect the three wires (black, white, red) to different screws and had no luck. I found out actually the black wire is not from the same cable! Eventually I removed both switches and tested all the wires using a voltmeter and found out the black wire at the bottom switch box is a hot one, but the 'white wire' in the top switch box that connects to the black wire with a wire connector is HOT also. So which one is neutral? Is the power source come from the black in the bottom switch box OR through the light fixtures? I did not mess with the wiring in the bottom switch box (though I disconnected the wires, the black was originally attached to the black screw, the white and red were attached to the brass screws), hence I think the issue is in the top switch box. PLEASE HELP :( [attach]109447[/attach] [attach]109448[/attach]

Hello, New home owner here. I am working on a new project in my basement. I want to be able to turn on a wall outlet and ceiling light simultaneously with one light switch. The problem I am having is that when the switch is ON, the ceiling lights turn on but the outlet turns off, and when the switch is OFF, the ceiling lights turn off, but the outlet turns on. I've spent many hours investigating why this is happening. Fortunately, I was able to get to the wires and I think I've figured out the problem. Since I am a visual person, I drew a diagram of the wiring (without the whites to make it less complicated). Basically, the switch is either supplying the lights OR the outlet, but I want it to supply both at the same time, so that the lights AND outlet turn on simultaneously. I was thinking of changing the three way switch for a single pole switch, and then attach the current two travelers wires together in a wire nut and connect it to the terminal with a pigtail wire. Although, I would like to have an input from more experienced people. Maybe there is a better way of doing it. Thanks!