It is a 3 way switch.It and another one at the end of the hallway control a light. I pulled out the old switch and I have a tan wire on the lower left screw, a black on the top right and a red on the bottom right. The replacement switch is newer with two screws on the left and two on the right and a ground screw. I don't have a multimeter to test which wire is hot, and even if I knew, the switch is not labelled as to where the wires go. It is a "Pass and Seymour" 3 way switch from Menards if that helps. Can anyone tell me how this gets wired in ?
2007-01-06 08:51:42 · 5 answers · asked by frankhenrikson 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Disconnect the three wires from the switches on each end. Use a voltmeter to find which of the six wires has 120V on it. This will connect to the black screw on the switch. The other two wires connect to the white screws. Go to the other end. Find which wire has 120V on it and place it on a white screw. Put the first switch in the opposite position. Find the next wire with 120V on it and place on the other white screw. The remaining wire goes to the black screw. Put both switches back in the wall and put on the covers.
2007-01-06 11:03:18 · answer #1 · answered by Warren914 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
on your old switch there were 2 wires on the bottom and 1 wire on top.
dont worry about left and right.
put the black wire on the end of the switch with the single screw.
put the other 2 wires on the end with the 2 screws.
it does not matter in the 2 end wires are reversed.
Oh and if you manage to zap yourself... ;)
2007-01-06 17:07:05 · answer #2 · answered by ryanlas 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You have bought a 4 way switch, It will not work, you need a 3 way switch, then just follow the directions on the box
2007-01-06 17:17:55 · answer #3 · answered by Ray D 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Pay close attention to the color of the screws, you will have two screws with the same color(brass?), and one with a different color(black?)The two screws with the same color are travelers, the one with the different color is the one that matters, it will either be the feed or to the light either way it needs to go on the common terminal. Be sure to turn the circuit off at the breaker. Good luck.
2007-01-06 17:16:19 · answer #4 · answered by greg 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Your question is similar to one I responded to earlier. Maybe the schematic at the following web site will help... http://www.forteelectric.com/3WayBook.html ...Good Luck...
2007-01-06 23:28:06 · answer #5 · answered by Ret68 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋