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nick vacca · Apr 17, 2007, 11:10 AM

Hello! I have a ceiling fixture controlled by two switches at different locations. The light does not light. I also have a light over the sink, the only way I can use it is to turn on the outside light. There are three switches in one box on wall. There were dimmers on two switches. I removed the dimmers, and some wires became loose. I replaced the wires in a logical position, but they are not working properly. Is there a way to trace the wires so I will know where all these wires go to? I sure have a mess. Thank you, Nick eek:

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ballengerb1 · Apr 17, 2007, 11:26 AM

Nick, you do have a mess. Sounds like you have some three way switches that are no longer sequenced properly. I am no expert on three ways but Tkrussell will be here later today with much better details on the fix. In the meantime you could start testing the leads with a tester and make achart of which ones are hot. As you already found out some lleads will not be hot but later are powered when you turn on that outside light.
TK is helping me with my 4 way switch mess so lets wait for him.

tkrussell · Apr 17, 2007, 01:08 PM

Oops crap I know I was missing something. Here is a sketch I have, let me get back with an answer later, just not enough time lately with these storms.

ballengerb1 · Apr 17, 2007, 03:56 PM

Nick, I think TKs sketch is for my problem but it will give you some idea of mhowthings work. I have a 4 way mixed in my bank of three ways. Tk is in the northeast where they are getting hammered with bad weather. Thanks Tk

tkrussell · Apr 18, 2007, 06:09 AM

Nick, sounds like the 3 way switch at the 3 switch box is not connected right, and if the sink lite needs the outside light on sounds like you have these two switches in series.

All I can do is suggest that you follow ballangers advice, take everything apart, test to find the hot feed, then you can use the hot feed to touch to the remaining wires to see what wire feeds which light.

The 3 way switch may be tricky,there are too many variables to offer any exact directions here. Try to note which wire feeds the common on the 3 way. If this was a dimmer before, it would have been the balck wire on the dimmer, and now the dark screw on the switch.