3-WAY Switch fully Explained: How to Wire a 3 Way Light Switch, Identify ALL Wires, Troubleshooting

[@paulpicciano2740]

The clearest video I have watched on any electrical topic. Spectacular.

[@Outlaw_SEO]

Thank you. I’m glad that I was able to help out.

[@Lanita111]

​@Outlaw_SEO make more videos it's been 2 years please come back.

[@danielelble8767]

I do believe you explain the wiring better than any other person that I have watched. You actually went into explaining the detail of how to wire the two way switch.

[@chuckls1021]

This is by far the best explanation of what to do and look for. Thank you so much for this thorough video.

[@svetlanazhavoronkova1395]

This is the best video for “dummies”. So detailed, and yet not overwhelming with unnecessary information. Thank you so much! I fixed my problem thanks to this video.

[@Outlaw_SEO]

Thanks for watching. I’m glad you were able to solve your issue.

[@gawpaw1955]

Looked at several 3way switch circuits this video is excellent in Describing how to indentfy which wires are which from one switch to the other. Thank You

[@jamich3]

You, sir, have inspired hope of my learning abilities! LOL! I have watched countless videos on 3-way switch wiring and troubleshooting and after 2.5 hours and giving up I come across your video and decided to give it ONE LAST SHOT before I brought in my handy son! EUREKA!!! It worked beautifully!! Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!! Your video was so easy to follow, very informative and instructions were thorough and resulted in SUCCESS!!! 🙌🙌

[@schloop1977]

Thank you Thank you Thank you!!! I was struggling wiring a 3-way switch for hours and within 5 minutes of watching your video I was able to solve my problem. Keep up the good work!

[@Outlaw_SEO]

You are welcome! Happy New Year!!!

[@andrechampagne3330]

Absolutely the best overview of the 3-way switch setup. Great instructions and definitions of how they operate in combination with each other. Excellent.

[@ANARCHYTOORDER]

I'm an over analytical person who was forced into rewiring my father's home office due to frankly way too many people who had no idea how electricity even worked lol, had basically the shiftiest three-way lighting in between I believe ended up coming out to 12 different lights. Cannot describe how much of a lifesaver in this video was. Truly, I became obsessed. I must have watched over 100 KZbin tutorials on this very wiring job and without question. This was hands down the most concise. Well explained an easy to understand video. I've watched bar none. I truly wish I could hit the like button more than once and I apologize if you see it go up and down. It's literally me just attempting to metaphorically give it more than one like lol

[@Outlaw_SEO]

Thank you for the kind words. I’m glad that I could help.

[@Lanita111]

​@@Outlaw_SEOplease make more videos.

[@ppppravi]

Super very clear ,not confusing explanation. If any one still not get it you should start from super basics

[@graemejones2081]

Excellent video with instruction on identifying which wires are which.

[@JG-eu1te]

Instructional videos don't get better than this! It helped me sort out an existing 3 way switch setup that I have. Thanks!!!

[@JamieMcKeehan]

Best damn video on KZbin on how to troubleshoot and wire the dreaded make a preacher cuss like a sailor 3 way switch. I've looked high and low for THAT VIDEO and thank the Good Lord above I found this one. Appreciate the video and it's simplicity and for breaking it down as we would say n the Marine Corps "Barney Style" . I understand this is probakidsas easy as kindergarten Math but to a somewhat experienced DIYer it was more like advanced Calculus lol. Again much appreciated and definitely got a sub from me.

[@Bassinbulesman]

THANK YOU FOR NOT MAKING THIS A COMPLICATED VIDEO, I WATCHED SEVERAL ON THIS SUBJECT AND BY FAR THIS IS THE BEST OVERVIEW. SIMPLE AND NOT TO MUCH UNNECESSARY INFOMATION.

[@smayfield2280]

Finally! The help I needed to get the job done. Thank you so much!!!

[@magnat00126]

This one the clearest video about 3 way switches I’ve ever seen! Thank you man !!! You are the best !

[@Scott-xq2dm]

After watching this video as diyer, I took off all the wires and followed the steps and good results! Thank you!

[@f00bar3d]

Thank you for this video; my home is a DIY special and basically, almost none of the wires are what you'd expect based on color. Using your troubleshooting guide saved my rear!

[@obrie0137]

First, not only is this the clearest video, I'm pretty sure it's the only one I watched that said 'forget the colors and check of the wires first, up and down positions.' And then showed us how. The last few minutes are particularly helpful in tagging which wires go to which terminals. The few minutes preceding that part showed all the ways I did it wrong based on other (incomplete) videos I'd watched. Good pace of instruction, the right sequence to both educate and get it right, and plenty of attention to safety. Subscribe to this channel; don't waste your time with other ones.

[@Outlaw_SEO]

Thanks. I appreciate the kind words!!!

[@gpsjohn6800]

Great explanation of the wiring procedure with calm clear language, excellent use of the cameras and diagrams. You are are a professional in my opinion. I saved money. Thank you

[@mattdwm9731]

Of all the videos on 3 way switching, this is the only one I bookmarked.

[@moc.9443]

Thank you for making this video!!! Extremely helpful from beginning to end!!!

[@WiseInetellect]

BEST Video On this Subject BY FAR! Thank you kindly good Sir!

[@mkirby2000]

Great tutorial. Great step by step explanation.

[@CottonDancy]

Thank you!! This really is the BEST explanation out there. I didn't know how to determine which of the two was the main and you go through all the steps perfectly! Money saver right here

[@Outlaw_SEO]

Glad it was helpful!

[@theliquidguy5748]

This was an excellent video. I finally understand how these things work. clearly explained.

[@jefflove1]

I understand this topic for the first time after watching your video. Thank you for doing this.

[@unknownone8479]

After watching this video, and seeing other videos not watch yet. I went ahead and subscribed.

[@mikehereford5565]

Just what I needed to get my hall light going again. Had a bad switch and wanted to understand how the 3 way switch works. Really liked the way you covered theory, practical installation and trouble shooting. I have had 2 electricians try to explain how this works but it took your video to get it through my thick skull. My wife and I thank you. I subscribed and liked!

[@hkhou]

Excellent video - the BEST on youtube for 3 w2ay switches.

[@FlibbidyFleu]

This is the simplest way to identify 3-way switch wires. This video will surely save a lot of people time, money, and frustration.

[@thehamptons1979]

I NEEDED this video!! I was faulty wiring example 1. Thanks for the walk-thru on how to identify the power, travelers, etc. It turned guessing into a systematic 5 minute fix.

[@jlarsen88]

Thank you. You saved me two weeks of frustration !!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@rushhourredrock99]

I never completely understood the three way wiring but with your video, which I saved, has been a great help. You did an excellent job at explaining as well as showing. Thank you.

[@myau7545]

Best freaking. Video on trouble shooting ever great job guys

[@savvyrb]

Thank you so much fir this video! Great explanation and instructions ❤

[@khalidkhan-jp4hb]

Dude. I have seen so many videos. This is the best one in detail. Thank you so much.

[@russbadessa431]

VERY detailed, but clear, tutorial- Thank You!! I have a similar troubleshooting problem in that I also have a 3-way light switch at each end of my ceiling can lights in my hall leading from kitchen to MBR. But I also have a 4-way in between the two. The 1st 3-way is in the kitchen end, the other end's at the MBR & in between there's a door leading into our garage where the 4-way is. This is a new construction home we bought 2 years ago & this hall lighting system worked perfectly till last month when it malfunctioned (without any removal or changes to any of the 3 switches) in that IF the kitchen switch is in one position, the other 2 will successfully control on-off , but once the kitchen end is switched to the other position, the 4-way & oher 3-way do not turn the lights on or off. (There are 2 ceiling cans in the hall control by this electrical circuit). Do you have a video tutorial I can review to help me troubleshoot what's going on, isolate the (assumedly) bad switch & replace it? So far, on a "hunch" I simply removed & replaced the kitchen 3-way switch with a new 3-way from local supplier, because it was quick & inexpensive...but did not fix the problem. Then I did the same with the 4-way & the 2nd 3-way...again to no avail...so I put back t he old ones. I'd love to view a tutorial guiding me through the troubleshooting on my 3-way & 4-way system. - Thanks again!

[@JamieMcKeehan]

I'm sure uve found ur problem by now but if not hopefully this will help. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHW9Xn2Af7N5oq8si=9oRlOkO0GEXkMldu

[@phoebeyiling]

I watched several videos trying to fix my parents' 3-way switch. Yours was the one that actually helped me figure it out. Thanks!!

[@floydbranch142]

Great! The best tutorial on 3 way switches. Thank you.

[@mikecameron8583]

thank you so much this really help me out with my three way nightmare

[@Chief_5]

Best example I’ve seen thank you for all the scenarios. 👍👍

[@ActionQ]

Thank you friend. You saved me from spending hundreds on an electrician

[@90ERS]

Great video! I am installing a programmable timer switch into a 3-way circuit with two sets of lights. This makes it super easy and faster for me to get it done right. Thanks.

[@jorgecampa57]

This is by far the best explanation of how to wire a three way switch and how they work in the circuit. Congratulations on a great video. I learned a great deal on the travel wires and what terminal to use for each one.

[@DiligenceMichael]

Thank you for all the details. I will tackle my switch now. I think my switch might be having two hot wires because the three way switch was not working properly. I will try it again!

[@r.driver8418]

I totally agree with positive comments. Watched other videos and thought I had followed step by step, but the lights would not turn on in a certain position. I found your video and it was very simple and showed the possible reason why it was happening. Went straight to my switches and did exactly what you showed and BINGO works perfect. So Thumbs up and subscribed.

[@69josephbc]

Amazingly clear explanation, including your wire identification protocol. Thank you very much.

[@Esiddik]

10/10 ! I have an incorrect 3way once fixed I will come back and update you 🤓

[@Outlaw_SEO]

How did it go?

[@Esiddik]

Update: it was shit

[@Esiddik]

The 3 way switches are controlling an outlet.🙄 One is located near the kitchen and the other living room next to the outlet. The first switch we will call KS. KS is in a box with two other switches. A way switch ( that works perfectly) and single switch. The second switch we will call LS. LS is in a box with a single switch (that turns on patio light.) All other switches in nether boxes work as expected. I will re-update on what the mess was in the new year. 🙇🏻‍♀️

[@Outlaw_SEO]

@@Esiddik Sounds like your place was wired to turn on lights that are plugged into outlets. Good luck with tracing the wires.

[@WhenPokemon]

Extremely helpful and very well explained!

[@pschiu1771]

I love your video! This is the best tutorial! I solved my problem

[@WilliamDastrup]

The third video that I watched on the topic trying to figure it out. Your explanation was exactly what i needed to have it click in my head. now everything works. Thanks so much.

[@Outlaw_SEO]

You just made my day!! Glad to be of help.

[@imzaazmi]

Thank you so much for this very detail tutorial sir ❤️🤟👍

[@40redfox40]

Very well explained! Thank you

[@craigchamier5452]

Great video on 3-ways . Thanks, I finally fixed my kitchen light issue!

[@bradmay7530]

I may have had to watch this video about 4 times, but I got it. Slow learner lol thanks

[@wiseguy8828]

Thank you! I’m trying to move one electrical conduit 10 feet over so it’s not blocking a ceiling, and I open it up and it has 5 wires. Your video helped me deduce what is what. Ended up being two separate lines, one was just hot and the other was two travelers. Previously I didn’t even realize the switch in the garage was a 3-way for the basement light, now I know. 🙏

[@333chamaeleon6]

Great explanation. Thank you.

[@BennyPuller]

You have been helpful thank you

[@scottblanchard7515]

Great job on making this video I finally understand that darn three way switch!!!

[@globedimmer8286]

Excellent vid contents! One of the best tutorials on how electrical 3-Way switches work and troubleshooting in both practical hands on and pictorial diagram. Great emphasis on importance of safety too. SUBSCRIBED.

[@hayderaltaleb6897]

Beautiful explanation 👌

[@victortorres3187]

Excellent Resource, can you talk about making a 3 way light connection?

[@chalmerelkins8965]

Wow no words.the very best video on switches

[@Outlaw_SEO]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@haditwithwork]

Excellent video!

[@fourftr]

Excellent!! I have an existing 3 way switch ( which I did not know I had ) The one switch I always used for the light I installed a dimmer switch. You raised my curiosity on the power versus traveler. I’m taking your advise and buying a multi tester. I’m a trades person but not an Electrician but enjoy DIY projects. BTW I subscribed 🍺🇺🇸👍

[@Outlaw_SEO]

I’m glad that this tutorial helped. Thanks for subscribing!!!

[@honeybadger9451]

This is a GREAT to the point video. Can you PLEASE do one similar to this but in the ceiling light box on how the connections should be for those of us that had to take the wires apart to replace the cracked box. If you do one, can you please have it so the power is coming to the light and the light being in between the switches? The 3-way switch wiring isn’t confusing if the ceiling box is already wired. Thank You in advance. One of the best videos I’ve watched on 3-ways.

[@hustlemanhard8772]

what a great video i learned something for sure👍👍👍

[@Tony-dx3eo]

Fantastic tutorial-I’m now a loyal subscriber. 🙌🏻

[@susannebarker6912]

I was able to fix 2 problem switches that were wired wrong for DECADES! I’m certain I was not the first person to try. But I AM the last. Thank you so much!

[@Outlaw_SEO]

Thanks for sharing.

[@victortorres3187]

wow, what a great video, thank you for that!

[@mycountryquilting]

Great video! This was very helpful!

[@MattThorp]

This is really good, maybe you could help me troubleshoot my situation? Old ceiling fan (fan only) was connected to 3-way switch with no problems. Had a semi-knowledgeable guy attempt to connect new fan/light combo. The light only was working. If I threw one of the switches though, breaker tripped. We thought maybe there was something wrong internally to the fan itself. Then discovered when the other switch was thrown (in unknown combination with the other), breaker tripped, get it reset and now only the fan works instead. Does this jump out as some particular problem with how the wiring was done? I think my guy was trying 2 different power sources for the light and the fan, which doesn't seem right. The product itself does have 2 different wires to power each of [light, fan]. Any thoughts what might be going on here?

[@bethkaplan547]

this was very helpful !

[@j37634]

Amazing video.

[@warronfrench8163]

Your statement at 6:11 has definitely impacted me. I will be getting an electrician in to fix my circuit made up of two 3-ways and two 4-ways. This video has taught me an awful lot that I should have known for the last 30 years, but I am also not a professional electrician. VERY GOOD video! By the way are you Dutch? I used to live in Holland in the 1980s.

[@Outlaw_SEO]

Yes, if you can’t identify all the wires - it’s best to call someone who can. Your circuit sounds like an interesting example of wiring. Please keep us posted on the results. As for the accent - I was born in Russia, but over the last 25 years, I’ve lived all over the world, picking up the local pronunciation. Never made it to Holland, unfortunately.

[@fatboy19831]

Awesome job! This helps me out in may understanding of an 3 way ckt.

[@Outlaw_SEO]

Glad to be of service...

[@jk12428]

Great video thank you🌟‼️

[@ASpec818]

Can you do a wire identification video for 2 dimmers? I’m having trouble powering one of the dimmers on. I’ve identified the hot wire and wired up the main dimmer which works. The second dimmer doesn’t power on.

[@helmuthoess3737]

great video

[@Outlaw_SEO]

Thanks!

[@Rollingstone2009]

Thank you. Thank you!

[@McmM-ck1op]

That was very nice I enjoyed the video hope to see more from you thanks

[@irisroman8331]

Excellent job 👏👍👌. Thanks

[@Outlaw_SEO]

Most welcome 😊

[@fedora296]

thank you really helpful video

[@angelacarter1915]

Very helpful

[@wanab1082]

Very nice video sir

[@davidtee2812]

Great vid…🤓

[@adelineramirez1945]

Wow, awesome video! Thank you so much!

[@akamai2240]

Great video. Thanks. I have a puzzling situation: I have properly identified all of the wires as you showed us and connected them to two new 3-way switches but the lights don't function. However this circuit wasn't working before I started this project so I'm questioning how to diagnose the problem. I'm guessing there's an open neutral, but the neutrals that pass through the boxes seem to be OK .... and I didn't disturb them. How do I check/diagnose the neutral? BTW: both ends of this circuit are in double boxes with other 3-way switches and some of the neutrals seem to be grouped together... does the make sense? House built in 1995. Thanks.

[@Atum_Ra]

So I think you mentioned that to be properly wired both switches should either be in the up or down position to be properly wired. I tried 3 different locations that are three ways and to be "on" 1 switch is up and one switch is down. But they all seem to be working just fine. Is this wrong though? And if so what problems could it present?

[@KevinR1971]

I have been trying to get an answer to this. What if you don’t have any ground wires in at all inside the box? I’m trying to get a light to work from 2 different areas in the house. It’s going down the basement. The box at the top of the stairs has 2 black wires and a white wire. The box at the bottom of the stairs has a red, white and black wire. I’m guessing that I’d have to use 3 way switches?

[@Outlaw_SEO]

Your best bet is to do continuity testing to figure out what wire powers on. If you can’t troubleshoot it with ease - it’s best to contact an electrician.

[@suukfantastic4439]

Good work continue

[@AlexGarcia-yi3pe]

Thanks señor. 👍

[@Outlaw_SEO]

Cheers

[@salvie0017]

Thank you

[@emadhammode5993]

Thr best explanation by far. What if you have 3 switches controlling the same light fixture, would you apply the same concept?

[@Outlaw_SEO]

Thanks. You would need to do a 4 way switch setup. It requires placing a 4 way switch between two 3-way switches. Here’s a good video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d52kqqKsa7ibrrc

[@ricardop5807]

very helpful thanks a lot!!

[@danielteyehuago1633]

Thanks for sharing it with us

[@kalvli]

Thank god for you and this video...lol

[@butchtheiw]

Great! But what if there is no ground wire to check for the hot wire on the second switch? Working on my in laws old house and it seems they used two wire w/o ground.

[@Outlaw_SEO]

If there is no ground connection or if anything is not wired according to the modern standard, I’d strongly advise contacting an electrician.

[@JJ-fg4wp]

I changed my 3 way switches and never had an issue with the light. After I changed them the switches do not work as it should. Both switches have the ground screw on bottom left. Brass screw upper left and upper right and black screw bottom right. Upstairs switch, black wire (hot) on black screw, cream and red wire on the traveler screws. Downstairs switch I have cream (hot) on a traveler, black upper right and red on black screw. Upstairs switch is up and light does not work at all. Upstairs switch flipped down, light turns on from downstairs. I only have 3 wires and not sure why I am having this issue. I changed another 3 switch same way and works as it should. Any help? Thanks

[@KennethLewsader-xe6sl]

So I have central air installed going on3 yr's. My kitchen is 6' /9' . It still gets warm in there!! So I decided to install a ceiling fan with led light. When I took the oval light down. The black & white wires were wired together with just one white & one black wired to a wire & attached to the light! I have the fan installed but the light doesn't work & it not control by either switch. The main switch was soft. Like when the breaker trips sometimes. You have to reset it a second time!! So I got a new switch!! Still no light & fan runs on its own! I been multi tasking today!! So I took the main switch out & multimeter the wires. Im going to make me lunch then reinstall the switch!! 1st I will checkout the other switch!! Then lunch!! So if I get both switches right then will everything work correctly??? I just worry if the ceiling wires is what's causing this problem!! I am 65 so I done a lot of dyi projects. I took out two ceilings light & installed fans here. One was at the top of stairs. It is on a 3 way switch & not problem!