Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    helpme5's Avatar
    helpme5 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Nov 30, 2009, 01:21 PM
    3 way switch won't work
    I have 2 switches in my kitchen working as a 3 way. Although forsome reason it works single pole nicely. When I hook up the other switch the light buzzes and won't stop. What's the matter here. By the way there r3 different wires. A red, white, and green.
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Nov 30, 2009, 02:13 PM

    Green should not be connected to switching terminals, a 3 way has 3 terminals for light and control. If a green is connected to the switch, it connects to the terminal on metal part of switch.
    3 ways have a pair of wires that connect between the 2 3 way switches and are called travellers, they also connect to the dark screws.
    The common of 1 of 3 way need to be a constant hot, and the other 3 way common needs a wire from common terminal to the wire to the lights.
    Is this in conduit?
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #3

    Nov 30, 2009, 06:36 PM

    You have to have 3-wire cable between 3-way switches.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #4

    Nov 30, 2009, 08:01 PM

    I have no clue what this means "although forsome reason it works single pole nicely. " please tell us what you mean in other words. The wires you describe are not part of a 3way switch system, you are one short, go look again, maybe at the other switch too.
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
    Uber Member
    		  
    #5

    Dec 1, 2009, 06:27 AM

    "for some reason it works single pole nicely" ?
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Saturn won't start, power locks won't work, radio resets itself. [ 4 Answers ]

My 99 Saturn has had some starting problems in the past. It would sometimes not start but if you let it sit from anywhere from 45 minutes to 24 hours, it would eventually start. Or, after having Dad look at it, we could tap the starter and it would work. So we thought it was the starter. I...

My fan did work hardwired, now when I've added a switch it won't work [ 20 Answers ]

I have a fan that I installed that was hard wired. Then I tried to make it function off an existing light switch, that controlled nothing. The switch had the standard three wires (black, white, bare) that ended on the switch. Black and white connected to the switch and the bare sitting in the...

Light Switch won't work, light is burning [ 3 Answers ]

I walked into my house and turned on the kitchen overhead light. A loud electrical pop went off and the light blew. It did not blow the fuse but the light cannot be turned off now. Is the switch bad?

Carrier Heater won't shut off! Blows only cool air. Heat won't work! [ 1 Answers ]

Does anyone know what I can do? My carrier heater is only 2 years old. As of yesterday the heater unit wouldn't shut off and when I turn the heat up it just keeps blowing cool air. I heard I can trip a breaker switch. Is that the electrical switch in the garage or on the heater itself? Please let...

Kenmore he4 panel won't work and dryer won't start [ 1 Answers ]

I have had the circuit board/panel replaced once on my he4. I had only 2 weeks left on the warranty and figured it should be OK once it was fixed. They wanted another $200 to renew the warranty! Didn't have the $$ at the time. Anyway, the same darn thing is happening... you have to push the buttons...

View more questions Search