3 Way Lighting Problem? Hi Everyone: I'm having a problem near a 3-way switch. Switch A...
Hi Everyone:
I'm having a problem near a 3-way switch. Switch A will only elicit if Switch B is in the down position... But here's the kicker. The switches that be in here are VERY old, and the electrical system isn't really consistent.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b26/ed...
(excuse the lousy MS Paint diagram)
Key points:
-Switch A has more modern electrical system (with a ground wire... Along beside the rest of the room, really...), and the switch seemed to hold a newer color-keyed design (e.g. common=black, others=brass).
-Switch B seems to own older electrics (cloth-insulated with no ground), and the switch have all brass screw.
-I bought new switches hoping that would resolve the problem but didn't.
-Don't update me to find an electrician; I just recovered from a layoff AND moved here 10 days ago... Please take on with me.
-Since the fixture is VERY elevated up, not even my tallest stepladder will reach, so I can't bestow the fixture's wiring details, sorry!
Thanks contained by advance!
-Ed
There should be a diagram next to a three-way switch that shows how the wires are connected. I'm an electrical engr, and I would have to double check when I drew out a plan because 3-way's are confusing!
You shouldn't enjoy to touch the fixture if even one switch turns it on and off, so don't verbs about that. Be well thought-out touching or bending the cloth covered wire since it may be brittle. Rewrap as much of the cloth covered telecommunication with electrical cassette when you finish to increase the insulation. Older wire be often thicker (carries more current) so it is fine as long as the insulation is still contained by tact. Turn off the power at the box when you are doing this since it seem like some of the electrical work is not up to code.
I simply answered a similar question so I merely did a cut and paste to here. Hope it help.
on each switch near should be 3 terminals (Possibly a loop terminal as well). The terminal should be labled: C for common, 1 and 2. This is how 2 channel switching works. Active or Live goes to adjectives on switch 1. A twin strapping wire go between the switches with one flex joining terminals 1 and the other joining terminal 2. Then the common on switch 2 go to the light fitting.(neutral and globe should be at the light fitting aswell.)
Answers: the travelers are mixed up. find yourself a primary wiring self-help book and study the installation of a 3-way. it really is too involved to try and type out a procedure to trouble-shoot this really simple problem, for you. plus it would help if you have some type of test meter.