View Full Version : Wiring 3 way fixture, fixture switch switch
trip80
Apr 1, 2010, 05:34 PM
Hi,
Quick question. Anyone have a diagram of wiring
Power to fixture, fixture, switch switch
The switch part is right, but only one light is illuminating, the other is dim
Anything would help.
Ive done the whole basement in a matter of no time, Ive wired 3 way before, just not with 2 fixtures. My hair is turning grey, Im sure it is just something I am missing.
Thanks!
KISS
Apr 1, 2010, 06:18 PM
I'll describe it.
The wide blade on the plug runs to all of the threaded part of the base. This should be the ribbed, neutral or white conductor.
The switch probably has a C terminal and a 1 and 2 terminal.
The C terminal wires to the narrow blade of the plug, the non-ribbed conductor, or the black (hot) wire.
The (1) terminal goes to the middle of lamp #1
The (2) terminal goes to the middle of lamp #2
You should then have, OFF, lamp #1, lamp #2 and lamp #1 and #2
If a position is dim, you probably wired a bulb in series. When you take one of the bulbs out, they both will go out whch isn't right.
trip80
Apr 1, 2010, 06:38 PM
Sorry man you lost me.
trip80
Apr 1, 2010, 06:41 PM
Actually I started to think and Im going to do what you said. I don't under the "middle of the lamp"
KISS
Apr 1, 2010, 06:44 PM
Oh. The lamp base consists of a threaded portion and a contact at the bottom. That contact at the bottom is the "middle of the lamp". It will be a brass screw or a black wire usually.
trip80
Apr 1, 2010, 07:30 PM
Am I needing 3 wire between the fixtures?
Any possible way you might be able to find a diagram? Appreciate your help by the way
KISS
Apr 1, 2010, 07:52 PM
Oh, I could have entirely misunderstood.
Is this house wiring where one or two fixtures are controlled from 2 locations? Or (see: http://www.homeimprovementweb.com/information/how-to/three-way-switch.htm)
A lamp where you have a rotary switch that may turn on one, two or three bulbs? (I was describing this)
trip80
Apr 1, 2010, 09:19 PM
Perfect thanks a ton. I guess I do have to run 3 wire between the lights thanks a ton
KISS
Apr 1, 2010, 10:00 PM
Yep. 3 wire w/ground.
Sorry I misunderstood what you were trying to do.