2 three way switch, recessed lighting 2 each, 110v known power source from breaker. voltage is taken at both switches from line to ground. Bulbs are good but will not light
2006-08-30 07:33:11 · 4 answers · asked by jack 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The 56V is probably a phantom voltage, especially if you are using a digital voltmeter. This is because other wires can induce a voltage on your floating wires (not connected to a solid voltage or ground). One of the travelers between the switches is always floating. However, if you measure the 56v at the common of a 3 way, that says the light bulbs are bad or a connection is open. When the lights are off, you should have 0v (or close) at the switch common that feeds the lights, since it would read through the lamps to neutral.
As another has said, measure the voltage at the lamp sockets when the switches have the lights on. If you have no voltage then you know there is a wiring problem. There could be a wire nut someplace making a bad connection. Better hope it isn't in the recessed light. Some brands are a pain to get at the junction box.
2006-08-31 03:07:19 · answer #1 · answered by An electrical engineer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pull the bulbs and rake voltage reading at sockets. Sounds like something shorting somewhere, could be a switch. Also, try taking voltage reading from line to neutral, at switch if possible.
2006-08-30 07:45:15 · answer #2 · answered by mxzptlk 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Turn the first two switches on and leave them on for 2 minutes. Then turn the second switch off and enter the room after half a minute. Feel the two bulbs that are not lit. The warmer of the two belongs to the second switch, and the one that is not at all warm is of the third switch. The bulb that is on is of the first switch.
2016-03-27 01:25:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you have them wired in series circut. Try wiring them in parallel circut.
2006-08-30 08:18:04 · answer #4 · answered by bob r 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋