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    kentucky53's Avatar
    kentucky53 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Apr 29, 2006, 07:07 PM
    Wiring for multiple light switches
    I have three light switches that control one light fixture. In the past, they all turned the light of and on independently. But recently it depends on where you turn if off. In some cases, it won't turn on at another switch. Someone told me it was the wiring or the switches.

    Nobody has changed the wiring (the house is 5 years old and nothing has been changed out). So I replaced a 4 way switch, and two three way switches (I made sure that I wired it exactly the way it was). But it didn't solve the problem. I am at a loss for what it might be, or what to do next.

    Thanks for the advice
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #2

    Apr 29, 2006, 07:17 PM
    Sounded as if there was a defective switch, but you changed them all. Could be the wires at the four way were put on wrong, each set of travlers, one pair or wires from each cable, need to go on top and bottom of the four way, and not paired by the side terminals.

    Hope this makes sense, there does seem to be a mis wire, but may be difficult to explain how to get this right.
    dclynch's Avatar
    dclynch Posts: 202, Reputation: 19
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    #3

    May 1, 2006, 06:56 AM
    If you have three switches that control one light, I think the switches should all be the same. Perhaps the four-way should be a three-way.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #4

    May 1, 2006, 12:13 PM
    Here is a wiring diagram for a 3 way-4 way-3 way switch setup.

    Not sure how to use more than two 3 way switches without using a 4 way switch.

    As I noted, the travelers must be connected to the 4 way switch correctly.

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