Using a continuity tester check continuity between the common black terminal and each of the traveler terminals. There are many ways that a three way switch can be wired but usually power or the light fixture connect to the load side of the switch and traveler wires run between traveler screws on both switches.
Replace 3 Way Switch With A Timer Home Improvement Forum
3 way switch not working on one side. Turn off the power at the circuit breaker remove the 3 wires from each of the switches and make sure that none. In this case the traveler wire and load wire were swapped and repairing the circuit involved switching them back. How to troubleshoot an improperly wired 3 way switch step 1. Now using your multimeter you are going to determine which of the three colored wires is. Disconnect all three wires or four if the outlet is grounded. Identifying the common wires.
In the latter one of the switches has likely gone bad. Three way switches work by alternating the power connection between 2 legs called travelers. In the former case you may simply have a miswiring issue. Test a 3 way switch turn off power to the switches at the circuit breaker and using a tester make sure power is off. 1 turn off the power to the circuit at the main panel. In this step you will be turning the power back on do not touch any of the wires previously removed with.
Each switch powers one or the other leg at all times. There should be continuity between the. 2 turn the power back on. 3 install the first. Remove the two 3 way. There are a pair of wires that run between the two switches.