Sensational 3 Way Light Switch Troubleshooting

The problem is generally caused when two wires are placed in the wrong position on one of the 3way switches.

3 way light switch troubleshooting. Follow these steps to find which switch is bad. A three way switch will always have power at two poles. The most common solution is to identify the wiring and reverse the incorrect configuration.

Use a non contact voltage meter to check and see if you have power to the switch. Connect these wires to the switch 1 wire on each of the brass colored screws. Touch the probes to the 3 wires removed from the switch until you get a reading on the tester indicating continuity.

How to determine the correct wires to attach to a 3 way switch when the wire and screw terminal color code is not certain. You can use a voltage tester to find out. Toggle each switch until the light come on.

When the wiring configuration is incorrect the switches will not function properly or one switch will tun on the lights but not the other switch. If one of the two 3 way switches toggles the light s on and off the other 3 way switch has probably failed. After disconnecting all the wires from the switches and from the switched outlet s turn the power on and test the wiring at the outlet.

It s a foolproof way for a proper. Troubleshooting three way switches will involve determining whether the switch is bad or not. There are many ways that a three way switch can be wired but usually power or the light fixture connect to the load side of the switch and traveler wires run between traveler screws on both switches.

Toggle one switch to see if it turns the light on and off. Set the electrical tester to the continuity or ohms setting. You should get a reading no matter whether the switch is up or down.