Ask This Old House host Kevin O’Connor helps a homeowner fix a faulty three-way switch. (See steps below.)
SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse
Reproduction push-button switches are available through Rejuvenation [https://www.rejuvenation.com/].
Expert assistance with this project was provided by Switch Electric [https://www.myswitchelectric.com/].
The electrician used a continuity tester (model no. CT20) to identify the wires. It is manufactured by Extech [http://www.extech.com/].
Steps for How to Repair a Three-Way Light Switch:
1. Turn off the electricity to the three-way light circuit at the main electrical panel.
2. Remove the cover plates from both three-way switches, then unscrew the switches from the electrical boxes.
3. Use a battery-powered continuity tester to determine which two wires in each box are the traveler wires.
4. Reinstall both three-way switches, making sure to connect the identified traveler wires to the appropriate traveler terminals on each switch.
5. Next, attach the common wire and ground wire to each switch.
6. Screw each switch back into the electrical boxes and reinstall the cover plates.
7. Turn the electricity back on and test the switches to ensure that each one can turn on and turn off the light.
About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we’re ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O’Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House INSIDER to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: https://bit.ly/2GPiYbH
Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet:
https://bit.ly/34RYEP5
Follow This Old House and Ask This Old House:
Facebook: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
Twitter: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter
http://bit.ly/AskTOHTwitter
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
Instagram: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG
http://bit.ly/AskTOHIG
For more on This Old House and Ask This Old House, visit us at: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseWebsite
How to Repair a Three-Way Light Switch | Ask This Old House
https://www.youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse/
David helps a NY couple find their second home on Oneida Lake. source
Brian and Mika help an engaged couple with their first big joint decision. source
This home is located in the neighborhood of Rocky Creek in Southwest Austin. The builder…
A family building a dovetail log cabin races to beat the elements. source
In this video, you will learn how to set up a photography studio at home…
View Comments
Great tutorial video! ... i was wondering if there is alternative way of
testing for traveler's wires without spending $200 on a continuity
tester?
damn, electrical components are so different from our norm here in Sweden. Totally weird with grounding the switches. and those square/rectangular boxes for outlets and switches
Freaking helpful, THANKS!....I have a house where there are 3 way light switches however once the load (light fixture) is turned off on one end, I am no longer able to power on the load from the other end. This video clears up what my issue could be and the right tool to use to help identify the correct wire instead of turning on the breaker and testing it the old fashioned way.
Update : I fixed my with my 3 way switching issue because of this video. I had the same exact problem. The black wire was on the the traveler terminal and the traveler wire was on common/black terminal. Its a 3 gang box which has one 4 way switch and the two 3 way switches.
Thanks TOH. I feel more confident with working with electricity now.
Great tutorial video! I followed your instruction, testing each wire and 3-way switches. They're all good, but the light is still not working. Appreciate all your help.
In most cases , I use the white & red wires for the travelers and mark the white in the box w/ black tape - now were ever I can ... I'll run a dead end three way & pull the feed & switch leg in main box and mark both to I.D. . This help out later if ever more switch boxes { 4 ways } are added.
Sorry, I was distracted by the short, busty red head
How can light switches be boring? They aren’t supposed to offer any entertainment.
she done made a kill switch.
This was done, and shown, a few seasons earlier than this one so talk about Deja Vu.