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    rfc2005's Avatar
    rfc2005 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Dec 16, 2013, 10:17 PM
    3-Way Switch
    Replaced two old (1964) 3-way switches that never worked right with two new 3-way lighted rocker switches. The light is a outdoor spot light.

    Downstairs switch has a pair of black and white wires wired together in a cap. Then 1 white and 1 red travelers (I assume) to the brass screws and 1 black wire to the black screw.

    Upstairs has only 1 red, 1white and 1black wires coming into the box. I set them up the same way as downstairs 1white 1 red for travelers to the brass screws and the black wire to the black screw.

    Now here is the problem.

    Top switch on = Control of on and off at the downstairs switch.

    Top switch off = No control of downstairs switch

    Bottom switch on = Control of on and off at the upstairs switch.

    Bottom switch off = No control of upstairs switch.

    Thanks for any help, Bob
    hfcarson's Avatar
    hfcarson Posts: 1,003, Reputation: 49
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #2

    Dec 17, 2013, 06:07 AM
    You're close... try swapping the white and black wires on each switch...
    Work on only one switch at a time and then test...
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #3

    Dec 17, 2013, 06:37 AM
    3-way switches that never worked right
    Probably the error of the person who installed the old switches.

    Black of 2-wire cable bringing power to the downstairs switch should be connected to common of switch. White of 2-wire cable bringing power to downstairs switch should be connected to white of 2-wire cable going to light. Check to insure that those connections are correct.

    If you get those connections correct, after that you can't go wrong..
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    hfcarson's Avatar
    hfcarson Posts: 1,003, Reputation: 49
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    #4

    Dec 17, 2013, 07:44 AM
    Hk... nice!
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