How to Diagnose and Repair Three-Way Switch Problems | All About Lights | Ask This Old House

[@elliotdondero-pettit1742]

This is the only video you need to watch to repair your 3-way switch. Short, informative, concise. PERFECT!

[@samgonzalez1447]

Yes indeed!🙏🩵😁

[@natzure7361]

Your cut away of the switch was perfect. I've seen many diagrams but seeing the actual contacts make it "real" for me. Many thanks.

[@suesheane3671]

Agreed, this made me understand the wiring and how it works

[@robtaylor4076]

Dude thank you so much. I was about to have a melt down trying to figure out where the error was in a 3 switch set. After several other videos with pictures and drawings, your real life actual demo was spot on. Its like the bulb went on haha. Thanks again.

[@michaelpodguski3646]

I recently had this issue with a light in my stairwell. Found a few videos that honed in on the issue, but lost them. A quick search led me directly to this one and the explanation was exactly what I needed to fix the issue. Took less than 5 minutes to shut everything down, reverse two wires, and get everything back in place and working correctly. Explaining the wiring principle, colors, and routing was the perfect piece to help me understand and get it done easily. Many, many thanks!

[@LightsandFansGuy1999]

I know someone who had this problem showed in the video. To fix it, i did the same thing as the video: turned off the power, removed both 3 way switches from the wall boxes, switched one of the traveller wires with the common wire on one of the switches, put both switches back together, and restored power. It fixed the problem!

[@HJCF0520]

I like the animation how it shows the inside of the switch. Great job!

[@danielmullins5426]

Dear Ask This Old House, I just got done fixing the same problem, having to replace a faulty, temperamental 3-way switch. Thank you so much for making my day! The only difference was that my main power wire with the bare copper ground was white. If anything else needs done to the house, I know now where I will go to.

[@flrockin]

Please have more explanations like the animation one. Very helpful in understanding for those us learning to be self-sufficient homeowners.

[@system2thinker659]

I can't believe it was a wire misplacement this whole time!! I would try to make a habit of keeping one swith on before I leave the house and turn the other one off. But many times I forgot and wasn't able to turn the light on at the entryway. I always thought it was just how three-way switches worked. Geeez. Thanks for the video!

[@saywhen1976]

Makes it look so easy! I spent weeks on my 3 way switches and ended up calling an electrical guy on Craigslist who came over and did it for free. Some good people still out there.

[@benjoetim]

Thank you for this video. After watching it I found the paired wires, identified the common wire, switched the two that were wired backward and my problem was fixed. So much easier than any other explanation that I read or watched.

[@drummereef]

Great segment! The animated diagram was a perfect example of how this works. 👍👍

[@StinkyTofuHF]

I've watched plenty of 3-way switch diagnosis videos but this one is only 5ish minutes and explains it perfectly. The inside schematics and cutout did the trick. Thank you so much for an insightful video!

[@jazielpereira7596]

I really like this guy... the way how he explain stuff making the viewer understand what’s going on .. thank you men...

[@roadrailn]

Thank Youuuuu......all other 3 way switch fix videos on youtube should be deleted now and this one saved....wasted hours watching nonsense videos and the confusing use of voltage meters and purchasing one even still being clueless to use it.....and your knowledge and explanation of where each wire inside the box should go is all i needed in under 6 minutes, i learned the connection route inside a switch even thanks to you. Great work!

[@vindoan9121]

Best troubleshooting tips and super clear explanation. As always, I can always count on Ask This Old House videos when I ran into a problem. Thank you. Keep up the good work.

[@mgdfx8331]

the best 3 way switch explanation I've seen anywhere. simple and easy to understand.

[@binhminh417]

Great tutorial video! I followed your instruction, testing each wire and 3-way switches, checking wire connection. They're all good, but the working-light is still not on. Appreciate all your help.

[@CupcakebytheOcean]

This was the most informative yet simple explanation that I am pleased to have found. I changed my switches yesterday and after about an hour and a trip to hardware store thinking that I reconnected it wrong, I figured out that the garbage disposal and sink light still worked but not at the same time. This morning when my range hood didn't work with the kitchen light I thought I did something wrong but they're wired the same as well.Thank you for the illustration!

[@stevestone5524]

I have this problem too. He said that two wires were probably just mixed up. How did that happen? One day mine were working fine, the next they weren't. I understand how the wires and switches work just fine. He explained well. I am confused as to which one of my switches are bad or if they're both bad and most importantly who mixed up my wires.

[@jimealphillips9789]

This video was a life saver. After two hours of fighting to figure out an issue I came across this video and was done in five minutes. Thanks so much for posting it.

[@spaz0023]

Just found this video. Was having this same issue at my new house, this helped me finally fix the problem. I know nothing about electrical work, and always thought whichever wire was “hot” went into the black (common) screw. Needless to say it didn’t work. Glad I found this.

[@TheInsuranceDudes]

Great tutorial - probably the best 3 way switch explanation ever!

[@NathanaelBlevins-cj6mt]

This cleared up a very long, frustrating battle with our living room switches! Thank you!

[@thejudgemeister]

Awesome video!!! I’ve been putting up with a hallway light that did exactly the same thing. Tried to fix it myself a few times to no avail. FINALLY!!! With this wiring digram, I was able to figure out both switches were wired wrong and it works now!

[@Heeby-Jeebies]

As someone coming at this problem for the first time, this was very helpful!

[@pvomero]

best 3 way video, The explaining at that the two wires in the same wrapping are the traveler wires made it very easy.

[@fk3589]

Great explination, 2 points , 1. did not explain how to determine Load wire vs Line wire. 2. Very inportant why did it work yesturday and not today?

[@650ib]

Thanks! This video fixed my light! SUBSCRIBED!

[@nicholasd7731]

Y, but how about using a two way switch to have multi location on a smart switch?

[@MargSFast]

very helpful. we had the same exact problem as that homeowner. because of your video, it is now fixed! thanks!

[@icpfann]

Another video(not one of yours) told me the red traveler wire goes to the black screw! I'm having the issue in this video, I'll try fixing it. Thank you!

[@goocherrific]

That tip of the transit wires being in the same jacket saved my bacon! Thank you!

[@chexan86]

I have always had trouble visualizing this in my head. the animation was amazing thank you very much!!!

[@zacharymikell1847]

Omg this video just made my day i had a light switch driving me nuts trying to figure out why I could only use one switch or the other when they are at different ends of the staircase in my house so it was very inconvenient lol finally I have working lights!!!! Great video easy to follow for sure

[@rgo2]

Simple and easy to understand explanation . You resolved my issue! Thank you SO VERY MUCH !!!! A+

[@arbatson]

Sweet after watching several other videos this is the one that helped me figure out what was going on with my wire! Thank you! After 9 years of bugging us it's working now!!!

[@davidnichols7912]

Excellent! Just added a 3 way system and an extra light to an existing light, Had same problem, as video, when all done. My problem was the hot wire was coming from the existing light in the ceiling and that wire was purple. The other wire on the same side was black. The black wire, striped not cut, was leading to other circuits. (thought that was the hot wire at the time) Switch these 2 wires and switches work. Thanks!

[@mid-west_man]

Great video and he didn't tell us we needed some pricey tool to fix the problem, Thanks for sharing

[@patrickduffey4344]

Thanks This Old House. This was great. Moved into a new house and the had a light that didn't work. This clearly laid out the issue and I was able to rewire the switch.

[@juliag6845]

Clear explanation of the repair process! Thumb up!

[@craigditzenberger4551]

Have the same issue in my house . I also have one that they added a dimmer switch ( which can’t function in this situation). Thanks for the tip! Hoping to get mine fixed soon.

[@bethkaplan547]

I bought a house and I have this exact same problem with my kitchen lights and 2 switches!! I am really hoping this fixes it. lol I can't wait to try it out. My mom and step-dad have the same problem also!

[@dan4091]

I had a situation where the 2 switches were wired up properly but still not working, finally figured out one of the switches was connecting the common to both travelers at the same time, which would have been easy enough to figure out, but it was doing so intermittently, which made it more of a challenge.

[@michaelacestari2237]

This helped me figure out what was wrong in my hallway, thank you!!!

[@tewfiks1]

Many thanks for a sampled explanation. I now understand the wiring and repaired out switch at home.

[@anitali3704]

Very helpful, solved our problem for over 10 years!!!

[@andrizeefoshizee]

Yup, that fixed it! Thank you! Anyone else struggle with working 12-ga wires? So rigid.

[@chenslee02]

This was perfect, I just fixed my hallway light. THANK YOU!!!!!

[@ChiNguyen-wf1qt]

This 3 way switch worked and nobody do any wire replacement why all sudenly all the wires hook up wrong

[@andrizeefoshizee]

Yes! This was so extremely helpful. Exactly what I was looking for!

[@pearlperlitavenegas2023]

Are the 3way switches different from a regular singke switch that controls one light? Need to replace mine

[@misteraon]

Every time I watch this guy in the back of my mind I'm like so this is what you'd get if you cross Vin Diesel with Tim The Tool-man Taylor.

[@SatishKumar-dy1fn]

Thank you for the video. Very good troubleshooting tips and clear explanation. Had the same issue and did not know where to start.

[@christophertaylor2592]

This video was very helpful, and I was able to fix my hallway (2 3 wat switches) with the correct wiring.

[@nicksumner13]

Thank you for clearly explaining how to fix this three way light switch issue.

[@chrisgast]

What's the animation for 2 3-way switches and 2 light fixtures - both switches controlling both fixtures?

[@royj9241]

If there backwards will it cause any fires or will it just not work properly

[@michaelkelly7876]

Super helpful video and graphics. Thanks!

[@crackberrry1]

Thank you, hated my inlaws hallway, so now we wait and see how long it takes them to notice.

[@jayrmahidlawon5092]

Scott caron is great electrician👍👍👍👍👍

[@TravelWithMEnow]

Thank you for explaining this for those of us electrically challenged!! 🙂

[@RaeGrafixDesigns]

PERFECT! Exactly what the problem was. Thanks so much!

[@kenc2257]

That animated graphic is excellent.

[@aydinvisionhd6640]

Great illustration, of how to troubleshoot .. Thxs for the diagram

[@philw3953]

My three-way switches behave the same way. I've lived here 15 years and I haven't gone any rewiring. This just started happening Two weeks ago. Can the switches go bad?

[@leonardholt5311]

Brey W yes

[@The1llusiveMan]

Awesome video!! My 3 way is now fixed. Thank you!

[@LIFTLEGIONCOM]

I have 3 black and a red wire on a super old switch. I found the hot black wire and now where do the other 2 black wires and a red one go??

[@James-mu9fn]

Great job breaking this down. I replaced two very old three-way switches and now have the problem you address here. However, each switch (at opposite ends of a hallway) was wired with a white, black, and red wire. The white was on the side with only one screw (it wasn't black back then I guess). I tried to replicate what was there but now it has the problem you corrected. I'm not sure how to correct this. Help!

[@michealbrisbois3411]

Black should still go on the common screw. The white can be used as a traveler. So the white goes on a brass screw and the red goes on the brass screw. But that only if the the splice was done correctly at the first switch.

[@edwinadidas1]

Wow really good explanation 👏 👍

[@phage160]

Very good video. It helpedme solve my 3-way switch problem. Thanks

[@wendig3258]

Thank you. That was very helpful!!

[@Gnomeaddict571]

Thank you so much. This solved my problem and you explained it perfectly!

[@aydinvisionhd6640]

Does 3 way switches need to be grounded ,

[@saulgoodman2018]

Reminds mo of my upstairs hallway light. Sometimes I have to go back and forth to turn switched up and down.

[@bushgnome]

john M like the video here you likely have crisscrossed travelers

[@ahgfl007]

Then by that the problem I'm having could be similar with the exception that there are two fixtures being involved and the primary power line goes through the outside front porch fixture before going to the switches inside. These two switches control the hall light and the second switch controls the front porch light. The last time a repair was made, both inside switches have to be in the on position for the hall light to work. The electrician is the same fellow who wired out MBR Bathroom light to the Hall Bathroom switch and vice versa, what a mess. Care to explain how to get those two light fixtures to work correctly, it would be greatly appreciated. I got the house which just turned 60 years old this year. Metal lathe and plaster on walls and ceilings, tongue and groove 1"x 6" and 1" x 8" wood used in the roof with 16" centers 5 on 12 pitch with a gable looking North over the MBR.

[@MyMaxKitty]

So in an instance when you want both switches to be down when the light is off, how would you do that? I noticed she flipped one of the switches down to turn on the light. I have the same issue, but I want both switches to be down when the light is off.

[@MarkCarsonMEC]

Swap the two traveler wires on one of the switches.

[@realSamAndrew]

Can't be done. If you had both down with the light off, then you flip one up to turn on, go to the other one and flip up to turn off again. Now you have both **up** and the light is OFF.

[@MyMaxKitty]

@@realSamAndrew yes, but do that same thing again and both switches will be DOWN when the light is off. I’m talking about both light switches on opposite ends when the light is off. It’s so annoying. Based on your comment, it CAN be done.

[@realSamAndrew]

@@MyMaxKitty it can be done momentarily. It cannot be made to happen always and exclusively. There is always a case where you can view both switches up with the light off, depending on the order of your daily movements. If this annoys you, it's not avoidable without eliminating one switch or walking back and forth which is just as bad as one switch.

[@MyMaxKitty]

@@realSamAndrew if the switches are always opposite of each other when the light is off, there is no possible way that they will EVER both be up when the light is off unless rewiring is done, which was my original question in the first place asking if it could be done.

[@lash1924]

I wish relaxing music started playing when i fixed stuff....

[@katerinakaneva7745]

Thank you for the great video. Resolved same issue. :)

[@dmytryk7887]

I have a similar problem. When the light is off, either switch will turn it on. When the light is on, only the switch that was used to turn it on will turn it off, the other switch has no effect. I assume it will be a wiring problem like the one described in the video, but what I don't understand is why this problem would suddenly appear after both switches were working properly for the past 15 years.

[@joeozzie1]

this helped me, thank you!

[@andystitt3887]

You did not show the variants such as Chicago also called Carter three way which although outlawed 100 years ago still was used in wiring in the 50’s because in was a cheap way to continue a circuit and add a three way switch setup since u can pigtail off branch wires to the switch traveler terminals and the commons run to the light. which can make the screw shell or the whole inside of the socket live and because its the same polarity a tester may not pick it up.

[@christfollower1768]

Homeowners eyes say it all during his explanation “JUST FIX MY PROBLEM” 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@KenGettingerRealEstate]

Great to the point video. Now I think I can fix mine. Wish me luck.

[@mastajabuname]

Thanks. Problem fixed.

[@juliof970]

Excellent explanation.

[@kdabulla]

I've done the same error in my house. It took me a while to realize 😅

[@chleprince1894]

MY house has the knob and tube wires that aren't color coded. Can someone tell me the easiest way to determine what those wires are?

[@yjjeeper90]

Turn the power off, pull the switch out, turn the power on (be sure no one else is around to accidently touch the now live wires), test the wires with a meter to determine hot/neutral, turn off power, change connections if needed, install switch, turn on power.

[@bushgnome]

Chrono LePrince my suggestion if you are not an electrician is to call an electrician! dealing with the old school knob and tube stuff can be confusing if you don't know what you are doing. Just my 2 cents good luke

[@vince6829]

Thanks for sharing.

[@christopherdekonstrukt444]

Have a two switch light doing this and a three switch light same thing.

[@jakeplays481]

Very useful

[@la5150hi-lophoto]

On means on? Wow!

[@bmanbaseball5988]

Thanks I had thr same problem .fixed it.

[@justintime8445]

Thank you! Excellent video

[@bobworkingman4366]

Worked great thanks

[@thathvacguy]

This stumps me because what happens if the problem JUST happened. This is sayin someone wired it wrong. What if it was workin fine and then it all of a sudden malfunctions in the same way as this video???

[@MrGrock4279]

Can anyone help my situation? I have a light switch that does not work anything. I am thinking it work two outlets but the outlets work with light switch on or off. I have a ceiling fan but it works when switch is on or off. I've been in the attic to see where the wires run. It looks like one wire is running in and two runs out one going to each outlet.

[@jayv2765]

I'd call a plumber.

[@craigkuemper5347]

MrGrock4279 Stevens probably a switched receptacle that was disconnected

[@Arieeeee]

Might be for the light kit of the ceiling fan.

[@phonedave]

Did you check both the top and bottom of the receptacles to see if it is switched. You can split a receptacle by breaking off the bridging tabs on the side. That way one part can be switched and the other always hot. Used to do this a lot in bedrooms so you could have a switched lamp, and an always on plug for the alarm clock.

[@bushgnome]

MrGrock4279 Stevens most likely it operates an outlet. check both top and bottom receptical outlets, if it does nothing it's likely that the "electrician" who wir3d it did not cut the brass tab on the outlet. meaning it was done wrong and you have a useless switch. it's pretty common

[@philknight1972]

Now i can fix my mom's light switch. She has three light switches for the hallway. Haven't visited in over 5 yrs so who knows when that happened

[@richpath1600]

Thanks, this was a very helpful and clear explanation of a 3-way wiring problem. The only thing that would have made this video better is having the woman actually do the rewiring and fix the issue herself at the end instead of depending on the guy to do it for her!

[@electricaf365]

Why? She should’ve been in the kitchen to begin with

[@UrvineSpiegel]

I cannot tell you how many times I've shown up for a service call for a different problem. and while walking through their house troubleshooting, I came across a switch with a piece of tape holding it in one position, sometimes with a note that says "don't touch". I would fix it free of charge, even in the rare occurrence that the 5 min it took bumped into another hour of labor, I wouldn't charge them ( though I had to lie to my boss on my write ups, and take a minor hit to my paycheck). Most of the time they were more relieved by that fix than what they called me there for. Like " Whatever, we can use our dryer again. But wait what?! We don't have to keep this light on 24/7 after Uncle Ben "fixed" it 3 years ago? And you're telling me we can turn it on and off from both ends of the hallway? And you're not going to charge us more? even though you're charging less than the estimate you gave for the work we called you for?" At least 50% of the times I have ever gotten a tip, have been after this. Yes, people actually do tip electricians, its still a shock to me to this day.

[@paultanner2007]

Can that guy bend conduit?