Find the COMMON (load/hot) screw in a 3-way switch in 2-minutes!

The COMMON SCREW connects to the LOAD or HOT wire (depending where the switch is). The TRAVELER wires ALWAYS connect to the other two screws. Polarity of the TRAVELER wires makes no difference.

[@carlk1778]

Fantastic. I fixed 2 sets of 3-way switches for my son in law. They lived there for over 2 years and became used to the switches not working. Using your video it was so easy to fix them and incredibly fast. THANKS so much. We were actually thinking of running new wires which would have been very difficult.

[@Fraxter3813]

It’s a great topic and explanation - only thing for me is that The switch I am using has two screws on the right, the ground on the top, and nothing on the left. I don’t think your count of 3 screws includes the ground. If you only have 2 screws, is there a way to use a multimeter to find the common? Or another way?

[@snapringchronicles3020]

Great video. Simple and to the point 👍

[@davidmarquardt2445]

Or you could do like I did when I replaced a 3-way in my 1950 house years ago. #1 flip the switch, direct short, hear the breaker trip. #2 the switch acts as a on/off single pole, other 3-way position is dead. #3 the terminals are connected so you can only turn on at one position, then off at the other. Yes I did get them to work properly.

[@SpyderSavino]

Thank you for this. It was exactly what I needed to know.

[@markovicboris8307]

Best video. Everyone else are just talking tooooo much!!

[@gee-rockgee-rock4468]

best explanation

[@Dexkn1ght]

Great informative video

[@samuellazarus1107]

Great help. Thank u

[@PastorIhaza]

Thanks, very helpful.

[@joh3398]

Can a light be added to switch number one? I could wire the two lights together but would need wire mould along the ceiling. However, I can get to switch one from above and that would be a shorter run to my desired second light position.

[@MarVistaCat]

Kim Mathews 11:04 AM (6 minutes ago) Give me a call at 310-398-7430 (voice only-no texts) and I can help you out. Thanks, Jim

[@gee-rockgee-rock4468]

do you have one for 4way switch?

[@N8904V]

Thanks

[@georgekelly5987]

What’s the difference between this switch that says common vs a switch that don’t

[@squirrelattackspidy]

I don't know what travellers mean. Do they have a valid passport? Is their visa unexpired? What is continuity setting? What does that mean? How do I know if the test leads are connected to the right jacks?

[@MarVistaCat]

Please give me a call and I can explain everything to you. 310-398-7430 (voice only-no texts)

[@jayc626]

I am looking to install a smart switch that needs a neutral. My box doesn't have a neutral, but 2 black wires, a red, and a ground, what should I do imgur.com/a/c1NRC

[@MarVistaCat]

Hello, If you give me your phone number I can give you a call. Thanks

[@JV_DC]

This seems like a hassle. Why wouldn't you just buy a new switch where the terminals are labeled?

[@mattcoleman7738]

This can be done in literally 30 seconds with a voltage meter. It takes a lot longer than that to go buy a new switch, no?

[@JV_DC]

@@mattcoleman7738 It may take more than 30 seconds, if you're watching a youtube tutorial on how to do it. But it takes only a few seconds to buy a new light switch online and have it delivered the next day.

[@mattcoleman7738]

@@JV_DCSure...but the combined time it would take someone to watch this short video and do this on their own is still quicker than waiting for a new switch to arrive the next day...to replace the perfectly good switch that just had some paint on the screws...that they're still going to have to pop out of the wall anyway. ;)

[@-slurmdaddy-8147]

Lol it can be a hassle. It’s a professional trade. Average person on the streets would have no idea what to do. Which is why professionals with tools such as multimeters to check continuity can charge a hefty bill. Or you could go buy one yourself and save yourself the some money in the long run, do side work, help friends/family out with work. Buy once cry once

[@gourdbox]

@@JV_DCthen you get your new switch in the mail and still don’t know which wire is which. Congrats.

[@MarVistaCat]

Give me a call at 310-398-7430 (voice only-no texts) and I can help you out. Thanks, Jim

[@resandor]

Wow and all of these over explanatory vids out there smh