DIYbanter - View Single Post - How to figure out a 3-way switch wiring?

Steve Barker[_6_]

On 2/20/2012 5:38 PM, wrote:
In my mother-in-law's house there were some very old wall switches
that were 3-way. I needed to replace them for what safety reasons. So
I picked up a couple of Leviton 3-ways from the HOME.

I replaced them connecting the red/white/black wires to the same
terminals as the old one on both ends. Problem is - only one switch
controls the power. Kind of defeats the purpose of the 3-way.

So, before I go crazy trying to figure this out with a meter and a
long jumper wire I thought I would ask here for some guidance for an
easier way to figure this out.

Anyone??? Thanks

Look at the old switch. One screw will be a different color than the
other two. You need to remember which wire was on that different screw.
And put THAT wire on the black screw on the new switch. Position of
the screws is irrelevant. Same on both switches. The "common" screw is
the important one. The other two wires can be on either of the other
two screws.

--
Steve Barker
remove the "not" from my address to email