Tim !! I have gone through,i don`t know how many websites to find CLEAR information on how to connect a 3 way switch , But Tim..... Yours Take the Cake ! There is nothing left to guessing,,,,,, Bravo ! & Thank-You Very Much ! :)
I used two switches with four side screws on the switches.The two switches on the back with arrows it says load line on the top.I connected the load coming from the switch box on switch#1 and on switch#2 I connected the black cable from the light.The neutral to the light.And the two travelers.But when I turn on the light from switch#1,I can turn it off from switch#2.But if switch#1 is off I can't turn on the light from switch#2.Try switching the travelers than I get not power.Please help.
i have as follows. wire from panel to light, then from light to 3 way switch # 1 inside garage door. then from 3 way switch #1 to 3 way switch #2 inside kitchen door(attached garage). now between switch #1 and #2 i have 12/3 so thats good so how should i wire these. i cant do the same way as shown here as i dont have another cable on the #2 switch
@asianesys Easy. Just determine which wire in the one box is ALWAYS hot. Go to the other box and determine which one goes to the light fixture to power it. Caveman simple.
can you send me a diagram based on what you just told me . i don't get it ? one box has hot and neutral; other box has the light, i think. so how do i hook up a three way switch on both boxes with only four wires ( 2 in each box) ? Thanks -Jim
@asianesys Can you go to my AsktheBuilder website, the dot com one? You'll see diagrams there in my past columns about this topic. Did you sign up for my free newsletter yet where you get tips like this for FREE every week?
This is the most comprehensive video I've found thus far regarding 3 Way switches. I purchased a new house 6 months ago with a set of these that don't work always. When I turn it off from one switch it doesn't turn back on from the other one. It only turns on and off from one of the switches. I don't know what could it be and I am not an electrician. But at least this video will motivate me to turn off the power and see if any of the wires are loose. Thanx.
@TheJGOV Thanks for your kind words. You'll be able to fix your switches in no time when you take them apart and quickly see that the one traveler is mixed up.
Thank you very much for this perfectly clear video. I'm trying to figure out how to replace the wiring in my home from the 40's and this video was incredibly insightful. Oh and don't pay any mind to the little people who make silly comments, better for your health :)
@solallein You're welcome. The light bulb finally went off in my head about two years ago. The only comments that appear are ones that add value. I created a Comment Policy on the main channel page.
@richardcawrey Did you not listen to my opening comments? I said to "Turn OFF" the power to the switch/circuit." When you do that, there's no need to use an insulated screwdriver.
@tekkensage, I'm an electrical apprentice in Philadelphia, PA (will be licensed in a year or so god-willing). The only place i know of that allows the home owner to do his own wiring is New Jersey. I'm not sure if all of Jersey is allowed, but I do know that certain areas they are allowed to do it, provided it passes inspection from the local board. I think it's crazy that people can wire their own homes. At least they make it mandatory that it must pass an inspector's evaluation.
@ElectricMan726 You bring up a great point. You're an apprentice and know the bare minimum about wiring. Yet you're allowed to work. Why would you think it's crazy for homeowners to do their own wiring if they know 100 times as much about wiring as you do - whether or not it needs to be inspected? So you know, MOST states permit homeowners to do their own wiring - it just needs to pass the same inspection YOU need to pass. I'm sick of people who want to monopolize work.
video very detailed, i can see a huge difference in standards compared to how we do it in new zealand, i very big difference, also was wondering if it was legal for the home owner do perform own wiring, as it is not allowed in new zealand. great video though
I found this video to be very great to show you how to wire 3 way switches, however, i got very confused because i didnt know why it worked. after drawing several diagrams, i watched this video again and it made a lot more sense to me. one suggestion for your videos is to explain why it works. nice demonstration and video though :)
Thank you! I've been trying to research how to do this on a project I'm working on and the more I read, the more I've been dreading this step. After watching this, I feel much more confident that it's not as complicated as I thought!
Great! So the most important thing I learnt was that the black wire from the box goes to the common screw on the first switch, and from the common screw on the second switch goes to the light. Sweet.
good video. ur the first person ive seen who actually tells u wat to do with ALL the wires, not just the lives/travellers. just realising how easy wiring really is! tks mate
Great video. I have one problem. In my house I am trying to replace 2 three-ways (change from creme to white). I bought two new ones, wired them exactly the same as the originals, however the light must be on for the other switch to turn it off and on. If the light is turned off at one switch, the other switch can't turn it on. I switched it back to the originals and it works fine. Any thoughts?
THANK YOU SO MUCH! I am a novice to electrical work. I cycled through several websites and videos here including professional broadcast channels like DIY and yours was the only one that explained it so clearly, along with a great visual demonstration that some one with limited knowledge could easy follow. I have lived in my house for about 6 years and finally fixed the 3 way switch. The house was built in the 1950's & the switches looked pretty old, so not sure how long they were wired wrong.
I am a apprentice electrician. I can so mutiple single poll swithches in a box. But have had difficelty with three switching. This really makes it understandable. Thank you
Excellent video. Thank you so much. It would be great if you could other wiring scenarios like where power comes in from the other place instead of the first switch.
Excellent video! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge. Without your expert instruction I would have never been able to hook up my new stair way light! Please keep sharing your knowledge, there are alot of people like me who need to learn and appreciate someone willing to share his/her knowledge!
i had to watch it a couple of times cuz he says the word wire an awful lot, LOL, but it was the easiest explanation for a 3-way switch i have ever seen. thank you.
@alwaysthetomboy I'll go to my grave saying it's impossible to satisfy everyone, and even harder when you give the item away for free. Unbelievable.....
Very clear...except for the term "wire" is used way too many times. Conductor, should be used when speaking of individual strands, and the term "Romex" should be used when speaking of the cables between boxes and fixture.
Great video, and thanks for taking the time to post.
I appreciate the video. However, you do need to make a note that you could also use the white wire as a traveler, but it is required by the NEC that it be reidentified as a traveler.
@Thorncage Thanks for your comment. Sounds like you know about this topic. My suggestion is for you to tape a video of your own about this and expand on the topic. Talk about all the NEC rules and note in your video that in three years or less the regs could be different. :->
@AsktheBuilder thanks for your response, and thank you for putting these videos up! I am going to trade school and learning about electricity at the moment, your videos are a big help!
how many 3-way switched can there be hooked up in a row? I have 3 Leviton Motion Activated Light Switches that can be used as 3-Way switches. I want to install one switch on each floor. This is a three family, and I want one motion switch on each floor. Any switch should be able to turn on all three lights in the staircase. Is this possible with 3-way switches, or do i need a 4-way on the 2nd floor?
@odmcarp BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH I'm ROFLMAO. Holy Moly. I try to help you showing you exactly how to solve your problem, since you don't know how, and you treat me like a dirt bag. Unbelievable. Only here on YouTube. I can't wait to see what others think of your ungrateful comment.
@AsktheBuilder lol i was in a hurry, and it's still not working. they are occupancy sensor switches and they don't work. at least you had a good laugh.
Very informative video! I have a three way scenario similiar to your demo. One switch at the top and one at the bottom of the staircase. The problem is one switch will not work unless I toggle the other one, then the original switch will work fine.
Very helpful. Please consider keeping the camera focused on the electrical box/wiring instead of panning up to you. I don't need to see you- I need to see the wiring and your fingers pointing to or handling the wires you're talking about.
I have one three way switch (two black wires, one red wire) and the other "three way switch" controlling the light has two black wires and TWO red wires entering it. Does this mean it's a four-way switch? If so, why is one switch a three way and the other is a four way? Thanks for the great video.
I followed your instructions to the T. This video saved me a lot of time and frustration as I am a newbie when it comes to electrical wiring around the home.
do the travelers need to correspond on each switch. In other words if u hook the red on the left on the first switch do you need to hook the red on the left on the other switch?
do the travelers need to correspond on each switch. In other words if u hook the red on the left on the first switch do you need to hook the red on the left on the other switch?
You explained that very well. How many texts are out there that you buried in under 10 minutes! Most people just need a simple demo for things like this and bingo! Good work - you're a credit to this world, which is so often overcomplicated.
the 3 way problem I have is that it also cuts power to wall outlets! I have 4 outlets in this room only one works another works with the light on and the other two dont do squat! I used a outlet tester and no lights come on for these 3 outlets. I need help. What is wrong and can I take that outlet off the 3 way?
@HuasoPodrido If you've got the switch say in the order PANEL->Switch->Outlet->Light,, you could disconnect the switch at the box, then replace it with a battery-powered remote switch. You'd have to then hard-wire the outlets from the switch box. The exact wiring at the light is something you'll have to play with on your own, but they make radio-sensitive receivers that are pretty cheap... the light would be connected to the receiver end - it'd get power, but would be controlled by the battsw
The circuit you are working on is called two way circuit in UK. Terminals on switches are labelled as common, 1way, 2way and ground, so it can be confusing in different areas of the world. Why don't you use earth sleeving? Please use some sort of international standard title of the circuit and the video...thanx
@yasamabo How about *you* taping your video and placing an International Standard Title on it? In fact, what would that title be? :->>>> Wonder if it will make sense to us on this side of the pond? :->>>>>>
Very nice video... The only problem that i see is that the code colors for wirings its not always the same as you show in your video, and sometimes its not even used. For example is common to find white wires that are actually the hot wire... Using a multimeter will allow you to be 100% sure of which cable is the hot or the neutral. This problem is common at least in my country.
You should start using some correct terminology such as switch leg, and travelers, rather than just wire colors and screw colors. I think it would help people understand even more knowing exactly what's going on in the 3-way operation....One switch has the hot, one switch has the switch leg and they have the two travelers in between. Neutral ties through. And that's the first time I've heard the switch leg reffered to as the common. Are you sure that's correct?
@sublime042889 Yes, I'm sure it's correct. You can call it whatever you like. It doesn't bother me. All that's important is that I teach how to do it. Read the other comments to see what most viewers think about the video.
@pamansprewell33 You're wrong..... What if I told you that the cable is 25 years old and was in my basement? That it has 12/3 w G stamped on it????? Please take the time to read ALL comments before you comment. Why? Because this has been brought up at least 5 times.
Awesome i got a diagram off the internet and spetnt 2 hours dealing with it and it still didnt work right followed yours and VOILA IT WORKED thanks so much
65 milliamps (.065 amps) can kill, IF THE CURRENT TRAVELS THROUGH THE HEART; the human body can have as low as 300 ohms of resistance. That means as little as 30 volts can supply a deadly current.
I'm consumer certified. That's all that matters. You miss the point. Homeowners need to be reminded that this household electricity (120 volts typically delivering 15-20 amps on a branch circuit) CAN and will kill you. If that wasn't the case, there would have never been any need for those hundreds of millions of GFCI outlets and breakers that are found in all new homes and businesses. Consumers don't care what the *technical* definition of High Voltage is. They care about staying alive.
Different ways to wire for 3 ways. the line or power could come to the light first with a switch leg (no neutral white id as hot) or to any of the two switch boxes and the white wire could be hot and should be identified with black tape or marker.
wired a three way switch and a motion detector switch. the light can be turned on by the three way switch but can not be turned off. the motion detector times out and turns off the fixture. wiring diagram show a jumper from commom to switch leg A.
thank you so much my friend i just passed my residential wiring, 3 way switches was a little confusing, u helped me, got A grade , now enrolled for industrial wiring , intro to PLC
PLC's are pretty wild. i spent 8 years wiring conveyor systems all over the country. they're difficult to grasp at first, but once you've got the idea of how things work it's amazing how your mind wraps itself around it!
how is this a 3way? are you counting the circuit breaker? cos thats dumb. in aus this is just a standard 2 way. we dont count the circuit breaker, because it isnt used in normal switching conditions.
it's a 3 way switch because it controls a load or more loads (lights), from several locations. normal switches are just from a single loacation to a single load. i think in US, our terminology is different then from Australia, thats probably why your confused.
It's called a 3-way switch because it has three points (terminals) of connection on the switch itself. A common and two travelers. The same way a 4-way switch has four points of contact, travelers in and travelers out.
I'm having a problem completing my 3 way circuit, I was able to get my 4 wire from switch to switch and power to one of the switches but I'm unable to get power from the 2nd switch to my can lights. Is there another way to run 3 way from switch to 2 can lights to switch? Thanks,
I can't tell what you're asking here. Are you asking if you can run your switch leg to your can light from the same switchbox that has the power cable in it? If so, then yes. But the wiring make up is obviously a little different.
I guess if you have really short arms and legs, you'd need to wire a three way switch that close together. Ha ha ha.
Uh, do you have any videos which discuss the black and white wire differences? I've basically done tons of home improvement stuff, but just copied what I saw in the outlet and took it from there. Also, do you have a video discussing adding a fresh line (to the garage toom) from the circuit breaker box? Thanks.
thank you so much for posting this video. I've been working as an electrician for about two months now and let me tell you that I've never seen a better explenation you made it look clear and simple easy to understand..thank you!!
thanks for all the helpful vids :) im currently enrolled in an online career school for my electrician career diploma. ive got a hands on project board, so far ive installed a switch, receptacle, lamp holder, next is 2 three-way swithces, a split receptacle and a transformer to plug into a power source... and much more after! ur vids will come in handy :)
I'm an electrician in the US, and I'm not familiar with your terminology.
What's a cpc?
The wires in the video are on a 120v single phase to ground circuit... There's no phasing to color code!
By cores not doubled over, do you mean that the wire isn't properly wrapped around the screw? Because I couldn't see the screws well enough in the vid to verify this. I don't know how you could have.
By screw its, do you mean the terminal screws on the side of the switch? Post a pic of your switch.
THANKS SO MUCH!! This video told me everything I needed to know to wire in a replacement switch in an existing 3-way switch system. The wires had me so confused, and I had been trying to wire it to a regular two-way switch! now I know what to buy, and I know exactly how to do it!
Thx for posting! I am wireing up a cabin, with 12 V DC this summer. I guess I can not use this 3 way switch for 12 V, but is it another way to this? I worked in an elderly home some years ago, and one of the retirees used to be an electrician. I tried to make him show me how to do this, but I was a bit to far into dementia.
Your switches are so, um, unsafe (exposed terminals)! The enclosures are a hassle as well. In Australia (were I dwell), the switch plates have recessed holes for the wires, making them completely enclosed when screwed into the terminal. We also don't need an enclosure. You just bust a hole in the wall and an internal bracket holds the switch to the drywall. Even if moisture comes down the wall, the switch is safe. Why is it that the terminals in the vid are designed this way?
Tim, I'm only 13 years old but I love to watch your videos! As being the family repair man, your videos are very helpful in case I ever do get stuck in a bad situation. They also inspire me to make my own someday!
Well, I'm 15, and you don't want to know what it feels like to be "bitten" by 120 volts. It'll make you wanna cry and knock you to the floor. It's happened to me once.
TIMMMMMMMM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HELP !!!!!!!!
I hooked mine up the way you said, but I am having a problem. The lights work fine for about a minute, than they fade out to dark. I know the switching is right, I have a good ground, and it is off of a 15 amp brkr.
Could this problem be possible due to the .49c switch I bought???
Is there a switch thing that us dumb folk should know?
the common is just that a common. always the black hot or power wire goes to the black common screw. now the black wire that heads to the light goes to 1common screw and the black power wire goes to the other black screw. to make things simple keep the red wire on the screw that is by itself . the last black wire that goes between the 2 switches goes to the last screw. this is the very basic switch hook up .
also the red wire should not be hot .but if it is directly wired to the breaker box then treat that red wire as the black power wire. you will have to do a ohm test to check and see if it is in the breaker box if you are not an electrician dont go into the breaker box. get a buddy who is.
yes ,you always put the hot on the common screw and the lights black wire on the common screw of the other 3 way sw.write me back for questions,im a master electrician.
Technology at its finest.
iArePJ 3 days ago
Tim !! I have gone through,i don`t know how many websites to find CLEAR information on how to connect a 3 way switch , But Tim..... Yours Take the Cake ! There is nothing left to guessing,,,,,, Bravo ! & Thank-You Very Much ! :)
STRUMMERBOY1975 4 days ago
@STRUMMERBOY1975 That's my job. And you've not seen anything yet. Online Coaching Courses are starting in two weeks.
AsktheBuilder 4 days ago
I used two switches with four side screws on the switches.The two switches on the back with arrows it says load line on the top.I connected the load coming from the switch box on switch#1 and on switch#2 I connected the black cable from the light.The neutral to the light.And the two travelers.But when I turn on the light from switch#1,I can turn it off from switch#2.But if switch#1 is off I can't turn on the light from switch#2.Try switching the travelers than I get not power.Please help.
sebasamy13 1 week ago
As an apprentice, I can say this video explains it very well. A few things make me cringe, but very good overall.
ROBLOXIANgordonrox24 1 month ago
I wish I would have watched this before buying switches for my stairway light DOH! facepalm.
PaRrOtReScUeWoTr 1 month ago
Excellent video, best explanation I have seen yet! Great job Tim!
manxman5000 1 month ago
i have as follows. wire from panel to light, then from light to 3 way switch # 1 inside garage door. then from 3 way switch #1 to 3 way switch #2 inside kitchen door(attached garage). now between switch #1 and #2 i have 12/3 so thats good so how should i wire these. i cant do the same way as shown here as i dont have another cable on the #2 switch
fuccillo111 1 month ago
GREAT VIDEO, i USED THE INFO AND, OF COURSE IT WORKED GREAT! TY
efales75 2 months ago
Hi Tim
thanks, but here is my problem. I have no red wire in any of the boxes. just white and black
any idea on thi setup ?
Thanks
Jim
asianesys 2 months ago
@asianesys Easy. Just determine which wire in the one box is ALWAYS hot. Go to the other box and determine which one goes to the light fixture to power it. Caveman simple.
AsktheBuilder 2 months ago
@AsktheBuilder
can you send me a diagram based on what you just told me . i don't get it ? one box has hot and neutral; other box has the light, i think. so how do i hook up a three way switch on both boxes with only four wires ( 2 in each box) ? Thanks -Jim
asianesys 2 months ago
@asianesys Can you go to my AsktheBuilder website, the dot com one? You'll see diagrams there in my past columns about this topic. Did you sign up for my free newsletter yet where you get tips like this for FREE every week?
AsktheBuilder 2 months ago
@AsktheBuilder Ok Tim. i wil take a look on the web site.. Thks-Jim
asianesys 2 months ago
@AsktheBuilder
well i went there but everything i saw had red wires. thanks anyway for your time - Jim
asianesys 2 months ago
thanks you for such a good explanation !
I remember nowwww !!!
101DoItYourself 2 months ago
This is the most comprehensive video I've found thus far regarding 3 Way switches. I purchased a new house 6 months ago with a set of these that don't work always. When I turn it off from one switch it doesn't turn back on from the other one. It only turns on and off from one of the switches. I don't know what could it be and I am not an electrician. But at least this video will motivate me to turn off the power and see if any of the wires are loose. Thanx.
TheJGOV 2 months ago
@TheJGOV Thanks for your kind words. You'll be able to fix your switches in no time when you take them apart and quickly see that the one traveler is mixed up.
AsktheBuilder 2 months ago
I'm not interested by lighting but found this fascinating! Very good job explaining everything!
OsoGP 2 months ago
Thank you builder guy. You saved me from burning down my house.
emmel07 2 months ago
@emmel07 My pleasure. Glad to have saved a life or two.
AsktheBuilder 2 months ago
Thank you very much for this perfectly clear video. I'm trying to figure out how to replace the wiring in my home from the 40's and this video was incredibly insightful. Oh and don't pay any mind to the little people who make silly comments, better for your health :)
solallein 3 months ago
@solallein You're welcome. The light bulb finally went off in my head about two years ago. The only comments that appear are ones that add value. I created a Comment Policy on the main channel page.
AsktheBuilder 3 months ago
Thanks, I've looked all over for this
Rehanlol 3 months ago
he isnt using an insulated screw driver here in england on 230 volts that would trip him up quickly
richardcawrey 3 months ago
@richardcawrey Did you not listen to my opening comments? I said to "Turn OFF" the power to the switch/circuit." When you do that, there's no need to use an insulated screwdriver.
AsktheBuilder 3 months ago 7
@tekkensage, I'm an electrical apprentice in Philadelphia, PA (will be licensed in a year or so god-willing). The only place i know of that allows the home owner to do his own wiring is New Jersey. I'm not sure if all of Jersey is allowed, but I do know that certain areas they are allowed to do it, provided it passes inspection from the local board. I think it's crazy that people can wire their own homes. At least they make it mandatory that it must pass an inspector's evaluation.
ElectricMan726 4 months ago
@ElectricMan726 You bring up a great point. You're an apprentice and know the bare minimum about wiring. Yet you're allowed to work. Why would you think it's crazy for homeowners to do their own wiring if they know 100 times as much about wiring as you do - whether or not it needs to be inspected? So you know, MOST states permit homeowners to do their own wiring - it just needs to pass the same inspection YOU need to pass. I'm sick of people who want to monopolize work.
AsktheBuilder 3 months ago 3
all the wires in my house are black..its an old house..how can i tell the difference?
guitarrookiie74 4 months ago
very helpful
mmrideout 4 months ago
video very detailed, i can see a huge difference in standards compared to how we do it in new zealand, i very big difference, also was wondering if it was legal for the home owner do perform own wiring, as it is not allowed in new zealand. great video though
tekkensage 4 months ago
Thank you this was very helpful and WILL solve my problem as I was not using the proper switch.
MrSKE1972 4 months ago
thanks sir
anuran2010 4 months ago
great video
elchaka208 5 months ago
I found this video to be very great to show you how to wire 3 way switches, however, i got very confused because i didnt know why it worked. after drawing several diagrams, i watched this video again and it made a lot more sense to me. one suggestion for your videos is to explain why it works. nice demonstration and video though :)
killington103 5 months ago
Thank you! I've been trying to research how to do this on a project I'm working on and the more I read, the more I've been dreading this step. After watching this, I feel much more confident that it's not as complicated as I thought!
eriksj01 5 months ago
Very good video. Helped me understand the wiring thanks.
BRNCO949 5 months ago
great video you make this look so easy!now i know how to wire 2-3-4 way thank you for your time!great job
ShoppingHost 6 months ago
Great! So the most important thing I learnt was that the black wire from the box goes to the common screw on the first switch, and from the common screw on the second switch goes to the light. Sweet.
yu128715 7 months ago
good video. ur the first person ive seen who actually tells u wat to do with ALL the wires, not just the lives/travellers. just realising how easy wiring really is! tks mate
frankduffy17 7 months ago
Thnx for the demo.
Simple and informative..
JohnRisti 7 months ago
Great video. I have one problem. In my house I am trying to replace 2 three-ways (change from creme to white). I bought two new ones, wired them exactly the same as the originals, however the light must be on for the other switch to turn it off and on. If the light is turned off at one switch, the other switch can't turn it on. I switched it back to the originals and it works fine. Any thoughts?
thanks again
yourashero 8 months ago
THANK YOU SO MUCH! I am a novice to electrical work. I cycled through several websites and videos here including professional broadcast channels like DIY and yours was the only one that explained it so clearly, along with a great visual demonstration that some one with limited knowledge could easy follow. I have lived in my house for about 6 years and finally fixed the 3 way switch. The house was built in the 1950's & the switches looked pretty old, so not sure how long they were wired wrong.
jvida41 9 months ago
SweeEet... !
DiEGO2DaBAY 9 months ago
I am a apprentice electrician. I can so mutiple single poll swithches in a box. But have had difficelty with three switching. This really makes it understandable. Thank you
rustaffry 9 months ago
great video...
rhdtv2002 9 months ago
it helps a lot tk you
vandrade246 10 months ago
Excellent video. Thank you so much. It would be great if you could other wiring scenarios like where power comes in from the other place instead of the first switch.
mrynderman 10 months ago
Excellent video! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge. Without your expert instruction I would have never been able to hook up my new stair way light! Please keep sharing your knowledge, there are alot of people like me who need to learn and appreciate someone willing to share his/her knowledge!
Jolemery 10 months ago
You should do a dead end three way :). Good video though and I subscribed.
Fiki2k7 10 months ago
i had to watch it a couple of times cuz he says the word wire an awful lot, LOL, but it was the easiest explanation for a 3-way switch i have ever seen. thank you.
alwaysthetomboy 10 months ago
@alwaysthetomboy I'll go to my grave saying it's impossible to satisfy everyone, and even harder when you give the item away for free. Unbelievable.....
AsktheBuilder 10 months ago
Very clear...except for the term "wire" is used way too many times. Conductor, should be used when speaking of individual strands, and the term "Romex" should be used when speaking of the cables between boxes and fixture.
Great video, and thanks for taking the time to post.
tsx3214 11 months ago
superb instructions.thanks
yononable 11 months ago
I appreciate the video. However, you do need to make a note that you could also use the white wire as a traveler, but it is required by the NEC that it be reidentified as a traveler.
Thorncage 11 months ago
@Thorncage Thanks for your comment. Sounds like you know about this topic. My suggestion is for you to tape a video of your own about this and expand on the topic. Talk about all the NEC rules and note in your video that in three years or less the regs could be different. :->
AsktheBuilder 11 months ago 4
@AsktheBuilder thanks for your response, and thank you for putting these videos up! I am going to trade school and learning about electricity at the moment, your videos are a big help!
Thorncage 11 months ago
Comment removed
alan11855 1 year ago
how many 3-way switched can there be hooked up in a row? I have 3 Leviton Motion Activated Light Switches that can be used as 3-Way switches. I want to install one switch on each floor. This is a three family, and I want one motion switch on each floor. Any switch should be able to turn on all three lights in the staircase. Is this possible with 3-way switches, or do i need a 4-way on the 2nd floor?
odmcarp 1 year ago
@odmcarp You need to go watch my 4 Way Switch video. Just type into the YouTube Search Engine the following:
4 Way Switch Tim Carter
Pay attention to that video. Your answer is there.
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
@AsktheBuilder that doesn't answer my question, that just gives me more things to do that i don't have time for.
thanks for nothing.
odmcarp 1 year ago
@odmcarp BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH I'm ROFLMAO. Holy Moly. I try to help you showing you exactly how to solve your problem, since you don't know how, and you treat me like a dirt bag. Unbelievable. Only here on YouTube. I can't wait to see what others think of your ungrateful comment.
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago 10
@AsktheBuilder lol i was in a hurry, and it's still not working. they are occupancy sensor switches and they don't work. at least you had a good laugh.
odmcarp 1 year ago
Very informative video! I have a three way scenario similiar to your demo. One switch at the top and one at the bottom of the staircase. The problem is one switch will not work unless I toggle the other one, then the original switch will work fine.
TheVincent68 1 year ago
@TheVincent68 Well, hook them up the way I show in the video and all will work fine.
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
Very helpful. Please consider keeping the camera focused on the electrical box/wiring instead of panning up to you. I don't need to see you- I need to see the wiring and your fingers pointing to or handling the wires you're talking about.
groomdoggi 1 year ago
@groomdoggi Got it. Perhaps you should go into video production / directing.....
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
@groomdoggi :o) Nah... I'm just easily confused! I was trying to study the box and the camera started moving away to you! I was like, "NOOOO!"
groomdoggi 1 year ago
@groomdoggi That's what the Pause button is for......
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
@excusemeplease4566 so the neutral wires go directly to the light
N9NEseventeen 1 year ago
@excusemeplease4566 Watch the video again. I tell you why in the video.
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
I have one three way switch (two black wires, one red wire) and the other "three way switch" controlling the light has two black wires and TWO red wires entering it. Does this mean it's a four-way switch? If so, why is one switch a three way and the other is a four way? Thanks for the great video.
legendoftk 1 year ago
@legendoftk Correct. Please go watch my 4 Way Switch video. Type this into the YouTube search box:
4 Way Switch Tim Carter
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
this will help me in school
thanks bro
loganpa5 1 year ago
great vid...but don't forget everyone you also have to bond the ground wire to the box first!
MrDeepthoughts 1 year ago
@MrDeepthoughts Thanks for you comment. No need to ground these boxes. They are plastic. Not conductive.
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
Merci beaucoup , tres bonne video !
hitachi088 1 year ago
Thanks. I loved it. Great help!
agbons2000 1 year ago
thank u,, is people like you tht make the world a better place. and the video was exelent...
chnantlilla 1 year ago
Thank you so much!
I followed your instructions to the T. This video saved me a lot of time and frustration as I am a newbie when it comes to electrical wiring around the home.
leerayray 1 year ago
hmm lemme see Black screws are "common wires" i.e from power source to destination (not switch)
copper screws are "traveler wires" that link the switches?
U124IXB 1 year ago
How do you wire two lights between the two switches? As in a very long hallway with two lights, and 2 switches. Switch > Light > Light > Switch
and what attaches to the lights, and what bypasses them?
VictorHongo110 1 year ago
I am going to wire a shop. Can you do a video on how to wire a subpanel from the main to to the subpanel?
toxeyfrench 1 year ago
@toxeyfrench Nope. Sorry. You're looking for a 3-hour DVD series to show you all you need to know.
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
do the travelers need to correspond on each switch. In other words if u hook the red on the left on the first switch do you need to hook the red on the left on the other switch?
toxeyfrench 1 year ago
@toxeyfrench Watch the video again. I tell you what to do.
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
do the travelers need to correspond on each switch. In other words if u hook the red on the left on the first switch do you need to hook the red on the left on the other switch?
toxeyfrench 1 year ago
no one will sue you do not worry just teach us
nowsuperman 1 year ago
You explained that very well. How many texts are out there that you buried in under 10 minutes! Most people just need a simple demo for things like this and bingo! Good work - you're a credit to this world, which is so often overcomplicated.
verbatin01 1 year ago
@verbatin01 Thanks. More videos like this are on the way. Please tell all about them. I need more views to make it worthwhile.
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
OK, I finally managed NOT to replace my old switch (the new wasn't 3 way), but some other switches (receptacles) do not work (fuse is on).
trzcinarowice 1 year ago
nice job
vengencefrom1979 1 year ago
the 3 way problem I have is that it also cuts power to wall outlets! I have 4 outlets in this room only one works another works with the light on and the other two dont do squat! I used a outlet tester and no lights come on for these 3 outlets. I need help. What is wrong and can I take that outlet off the 3 way?
HuasoPodrido 1 year ago
@HuasoPodrido If you've got the switch say in the order PANEL->Switch->Outlet->Light,, you could disconnect the switch at the box, then replace it with a battery-powered remote switch. You'd have to then hard-wire the outlets from the switch box. The exact wiring at the light is something you'll have to play with on your own, but they make radio-sensitive receivers that are pretty cheap... the light would be connected to the receiver end - it'd get power, but would be controlled by the battsw
verbatin01 1 year ago
Thanks, very clear and helpful!
n33oh 1 year ago
The circuit you are working on is called two way circuit in UK. Terminals on switches are labelled as common, 1way, 2way and ground, so it can be confusing in different areas of the world. Why don't you use earth sleeving? Please use some sort of international standard title of the circuit and the video...thanx
yasamabo 1 year ago
@yasamabo How about *you* taping your video and placing an International Standard Title on it? In fact, what would that title be? :->>>> Wonder if it will make sense to us on this side of the pond? :->>>>>>
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
Great how to video, helped out allot.
monicadf44 1 year ago
thanks!
RenDesign1 1 year ago
thank you so much sir...you just make me understand about 3 way switch.your a great teacher...
tquibido 1 year ago
Very nice video... The only problem that i see is that the code colors for wirings its not always the same as you show in your video, and sometimes its not even used. For example is common to find white wires that are actually the hot wire... Using a multimeter will allow you to be 100% sure of which cable is the hot or the neutral. This problem is common at least in my country.
max18078986 1 year ago
Thanks. This was very straight forward and easy to understand. Successfully replaced a broken switch thanks to you
mzagrodzky 1 year ago
You should start using some correct terminology such as switch leg, and travelers, rather than just wire colors and screw colors. I think it would help people understand even more knowing exactly what's going on in the 3-way operation....One switch has the hot, one switch has the switch leg and they have the two travelers in between. Neutral ties through. And that's the first time I've heard the switch leg reffered to as the common. Are you sure that's correct?
sublime042889 1 year ago
@sublime042889 Yes, I'm sure it's correct. You can call it whatever you like. It doesn't bother me. All that's important is that I teach how to do it. Read the other comments to see what most viewers think about the video.
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
Thank you, you're a good American!
jrobpet 1 year ago
@jrobpet Thanks! If you want to see the real patriot in me, visit my other website: TimCartersFirePit.
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
excellent explanation!!!! thanks a lot for these videos !
domyaska 1 year ago
Best and easiest explanation of a 3 way swith. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
nikkirambo 1 year ago
I can tell the white wire is a 14-3 which is not code to tag onto a 20 amp circuit.
pamansprewell33 1 year ago
@pamansprewell33 You're wrong..... What if I told you that the cable is 25 years old and was in my basement? That it has 12/3 w G stamped on it????? Please take the time to read ALL comments before you comment. Why? Because this has been brought up at least 5 times.
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
Thanks a lot man. This will help me pass my wiring exam tomorrow.
thrashmantim 1 year ago
great video
astrosfan1984 1 year ago
Great instructional video for the apprentice. I'm going to have my new guys watch this.
ProcciAccount 1 year ago
Twards the end, how's the light going to turn on if I keep the power off in my home. IDK, that just cought me ear.
ProcciAccount 1 year ago
just a lil tip, could u say live/neutral instead of white/black, our colours are different from Usa's, ta
RotaryDx 1 year ago
Awesome i got a diagram off the internet and spetnt 2 hours dealing with it and it still didnt work right followed yours and VOILA IT WORKED thanks so much
AntiochKen 1 year ago
really good explaining, easy to follow and understand , I'll be back for more tips from Ask the builder man.
gungalagunga276 1 year ago
Great teacher. This is explained so well. Thanks a million.
Deacon66 1 year ago
the NEC (Usa's code) high voltage is 600+
the CSA (Canada's code) high voltage is750+
and to silcer119 its not the volts that can kill you its the amps. It can take as little as .5 A to kill if it hits you across the chest.
Danwar3 1 year ago
@Danwar3 less then that bro is 5 miliamps or .05 amps
parrott15 1 year ago
sweet this is gonna help me in my electrical class thanks
vincent9567 1 year ago
very interesting. :o
TheYaette 1 year ago
is it true that .5 of a volt can kill you, my electronics teacher told me that, my project is to set up a 3 way switch
slicer119 1 year ago
I believe you may have amps confused with volts. If what you say is true, you would die when you placed a 9-volt battery's terminals on your tongue.
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
oh, yea i think you are right my mistake, well today i finished wiring up 3 way switch and it works perfect
slicer119 1 year ago
65 milliamps (.065 amps) can kill, IF THE CURRENT TRAVELS THROUGH THE HEART; the human body can have as low as 300 ohms of resistance. That means as little as 30 volts can supply a deadly current.
parrott15 1 year ago
you are using 110v. 600v or higher is considered high voltage. your not osha certified are you?
thefirstofthefirst 2 years ago
I'm consumer certified. That's all that matters. You miss the point. Homeowners need to be reminded that this household electricity (120 volts typically delivering 15-20 amps on a branch circuit) CAN and will kill you. If that wasn't the case, there would have never been any need for those hundreds of millions of GFCI outlets and breakers that are found in all new homes and businesses. Consumers don't care what the *technical* definition of High Voltage is. They care about staying alive.
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
@thefirstofthefirst no such thing as a 110v branch circuit
thrashmantim 1 year ago
ok her my problem my 3way switch doesn't work properly. upstair I have 3 wires coming from the wll and same downstair.
in each case I plug the hot wire on the black screw. I don't know what the 2 others wire are? so any way I pluged them on the 2 left screws ramdomly.
but the system is not working as it should meaning sometime I need to go back upstair or downstair to turn on the light.
ulujm 2 years ago
You just have to watch the video again several times until you understand it. It's that easy.
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
Different ways to wire for 3 ways. the line or power could come to the light first with a switch leg (no neutral white id as hot) or to any of the two switch boxes and the white wire could be hot and should be identified with black tape or marker.
maltyful 2 years ago
Thank you for teaching me Sir. May Allah bless you.
JawazHIFI 2 years ago
wired a three way switch and a motion detector switch. the light can be turned on by the three way switch but can not be turned off. the motion detector times out and turns off the fixture. wiring diagram show a jumper from commom to switch leg A.
cschandler488 2 years ago
thank you so much my friend i just passed my residential wiring, 3 way switches was a little confusing, u helped me, got A grade , now enrolled for industrial wiring , intro to PLC
moonlighthrills 2 years ago
PLC's are pretty wild. i spent 8 years wiring conveyor systems all over the country. they're difficult to grasp at first, but once you've got the idea of how things work it's amazing how your mind wraps itself around it!
southeast40 2 years ago
finally an excellent and precise explanation of a 3wayswitch!!! thank you very very much from italy!! grazieeeee
domyaska 2 years ago
dude, this video was SUPER helpful! thanks!
Hova1914 2 years ago
excellent video, i had a difficult time understanding how a 3 way system worked about 6 minutes ago.
whiteboy7890 2 years ago
Thanks! I had fun taping it. You should watch my 4 Way Switch video to really get up to speed.
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
would a GFI or GFCI would work on a 3 way switch?
702sincitylv 2 years ago
yes
pinkfloyd666 2 years ago
ohh okay okay okay O_O thx
GreenKoldAid 2 years ago
how is this a 3way? are you counting the circuit breaker? cos thats dumb. in aus this is just a standard 2 way. we dont count the circuit breaker, because it isnt used in normal switching conditions.
sparkrat07 2 years ago
it's a 3 way switch because it controls a load or more loads (lights), from several locations. normal switches are just from a single loacation to a single load. i think in US, our terminology is different then from Australia, thats probably why your confused.
mhperodeau 2 years ago
It's called a 3-way switch because it has three points (terminals) of connection on the switch itself. A common and two travelers. The same way a 4-way switch has four points of contact, travelers in and travelers out.
gyneman 2 years ago
Great Job, thanks
fondaruth 2 years ago
Tim,
I'm having a problem completing my 3 way circuit, I was able to get my 4 wire from switch to switch and power to one of the switches but I'm unable to get power from the 2nd switch to my can lights. Is there another way to run 3 way from switch to 2 can lights to switch? Thanks,
JK
joshuaking75 2 years ago
I can't tell what you're asking here. Are you asking if you can run your switch leg to your can light from the same switchbox that has the power cable in it? If so, then yes. But the wiring make up is obviously a little different.
sulsa76 2 years ago
I guess if you have really short arms and legs, you'd need to wire a three way switch that close together. Ha ha ha.
Uh, do you have any videos which discuss the black and white wire differences? I've basically done tons of home improvement stuff, but just copied what I saw in the outlet and took it from there. Also, do you have a video discussing adding a fresh line (to the garage toom) from the circuit breaker box? Thanks.
mikesmultimedia 2 years ago
thank you so much for posting this video. I've been working as an electrician for about two months now and let me tell you that I've never seen a better explenation you made it look clear and simple easy to understand..thank you!!
bendixcongo 2 years ago
Thanks! Be sure to watch my 4-Way Switch video.
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
thanks for all the helpful vids :) im currently enrolled in an online career school for my electrician career diploma. ive got a hands on project board, so far ive installed a switch, receptacle, lamp holder, next is 2 three-way swithces, a split receptacle and a transformer to plug into a power source... and much more after! ur vids will come in handy :)
cass3383 2 years ago
I thought that wiring over the pond would be quite rigorous , infact it's very frightening .
-No sleeving on cpc's
-No colour coded sleeving over phase conductors
-Cores not doubled over for security of connection
- Screw its went out with the Ark as a form of connection
I don't wish to pick fault but I dread to think what else is common electrical practice over the pond.
GooleRover 2 years ago
Commander, the proof is in fire statistics. How many electrical fires per capita do you have in the UK vs. over here in the USA.
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
I'm an electrician in the US, and I'm not familiar with your terminology.
What's a cpc?
The wires in the video are on a 120v single phase to ground circuit... There's no phasing to color code!
By cores not doubled over, do you mean that the wire isn't properly wrapped around the screw? Because I couldn't see the screws well enough in the vid to verify this. I don't know how you could have.
By screw its, do you mean the terminal screws on the side of the switch? Post a pic of your switch.
sulsa76 2 years ago
You made me see the light, thank.
zxtian1970 2 years ago
what about the actual light though you did not show the wiring in there what happened
xEaW137 2 years ago
Connect the black wire to the brass screw and the white wire to the silver screw. Ground to green.
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
Thank you so much here, too!! You made it possible, thanks again.
auteck2000 2 years ago
Kinda really a dumb question buddy there is nothing special with the white and black wire and ground
walkingfreak 2 years ago
THANKS SO MUCH!! This video told me everything I needed to know to wire in a replacement switch in an existing 3-way switch system. The wires had me so confused, and I had been trying to wire it to a regular two-way switch! now I know what to buy, and I know exactly how to do it!
adazzu 2 years ago
You're most welcome. Glad to be of service.
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
in the uk we call this a 2 way switch
MrSpark81 2 years ago
Thx for posting! I am wireing up a cabin, with 12 V DC this summer. I guess I can not use this 3 way switch for 12 V, but is it another way to this? I worked in an elderly home some years ago, and one of the retirees used to be an electrician. I tried to make him show me how to do this, but I was a bit to far into dementia.
Heimdall01 2 years ago
Muchas gracias por este video, me fue muy util para mi trabajo en casa.
Great job, and congratulations...!!!
maxcedeno01 2 years ago 4
Your switches are so, um, unsafe (exposed terminals)! The enclosures are a hassle as well. In Australia (were I dwell), the switch plates have recessed holes for the wires, making them completely enclosed when screwed into the terminal. We also don't need an enclosure. You just bust a hole in the wall and an internal bracket holds the switch to the drywall. Even if moisture comes down the wall, the switch is safe. Why is it that the terminals in the vid are designed this way?
LOLDISNEYLAND 2 years ago
Commander, you need to take up your complaint with the National Fire Protection Agency here in the USA. They author the NEC.
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
We have different rules and producs then you.. dumbass
xXxColinEmco 2 years ago
Tim, I'm only 13 years old but I love to watch your videos! As being the family repair man, your videos are very helpful in case I ever do get stuck in a bad situation. They also inspire me to make my own someday!
sassharkster 2 years ago 4
Well, I'm 15, and you don't want to know what it feels like to be "bitten" by 120 volts. It'll make you wanna cry and knock you to the floor. It's happened to me once.
luigi2999 2 years ago
Thanks for your help. I was able to fix my light switch so easily! You're video was a lifesaver.
michelleannjohnson 2 years ago 3
TIMMMMMMMM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HELP !!!!!!!!
I hooked mine up the way you said, but I am having a problem. The lights work fine for about a minute, than they fade out to dark. I know the switching is right, I have a good ground, and it is off of a 15 amp brkr.
Could this problem be possible due to the .49c switch I bought???
Is there a switch thing that us dumb folk should know?
GreenManalichi 2 years ago
Possibly. Get a real switch from Leviton or Slater.
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
Tim...the switch wasnt the problem. Its my wiring.
The hotwire coming to my second switch is the red one. Is that the one I put on the common screw? Im lost now and getting frustrated.
GreenManalichi 2 years ago
the common is just that a common. always the black hot or power wire goes to the black common screw. now the black wire that heads to the light goes to 1common screw and the black power wire goes to the other black screw. to make things simple keep the red wire on the screw that is by itself . the last black wire that goes between the 2 switches goes to the last screw. this is the very basic switch hook up .
99johnl 2 years ago
also the red wire should not be hot .but if it is directly wired to the breaker box then treat that red wire as the black power wire. you will have to do a ohm test to check and see if it is in the breaker box if you are not an electrician dont go into the breaker box. get a buddy who is.
99johnl 2 years ago
yes ,you always put the hot on the common screw and the lights black wire on the common screw of the other 3 way sw.write me back for questions,im a master electrician.
geetarust 2 years ago