[mdcheng]

While I was troubleshooting a hot ground reversed problem, I noticed that the three way switch when turned on would change the three plug tester plugged into those outlets that do not work from "hot/ground reversed" to "correct". When I go to the other three way switch and throw the switch, it returns to hot ground reverse. Even when the outlet shows correct and I plug in a nightlight that I know works, it does not work in the now "correct" outlet. Is this three way switch still part of my problem?

[tkrussell]

Is the 3 way switching intended to control the outlet(s)? Whether it should or not, there is a miswire or a open neutral. I suspect a broken or open neutral ,that cause the outlet to read through the neutral, or something weird like that.

This is difficult to troubleshoot in a forum such as this. Best I can offer is to begin taking apart the wiring at each box in the circuit, to trace and note how the circuit is wired, checking for loose, shorted or miswired connections/splices. Begin at the circuit breaker and trace out the wiring, so a wiring diagram can be sketched, and then confirmed that it is correct.

If the switches are to control the oultes, and if one half is contrlled and one half of the duples is live all the time, be sure the small jumper on the HOT or brass side of the duplex is removed. Be sure the jumper on the Neutral or silver side of a split controlled duplex IS NOT removed..

Hope this helps some. If you decide to tackle this and have more questions get back here with them. If you are not knowledgeable of circuit wiring, you may need to call in a good service electrician to trace and troubleshoot.