Set the electrical tester to the continuity or ohms setting. To id the wires o a 3 way switch all you need are some wire nuts.
Troubleshooting 3 Way 4 Way Switches Wiring Diagrams Diagram
How to troubleshoot a 3 way switch wiring. Remove the two 3 way switches so you can access the switch terminalsthe wire connections do not have to be removed. Disconnect switch and connect all 3 wires together with a wire nut. Electrical question from george about wiring 3 way switches and using a remote control background. I have a remote control fan and i can not get the 3 way switches to work. Is there a methodical way for me to identify which wires represent which piece of the system so i can correct the bad wiring. Turn power off label the switches a b.
Switch b disconnect all the wires and connect two wires together. Using a continuity tester check continuity between the common black terminal and each of the traveler terminals brass colored of each 3 way switch. Turn the power on. At the switch where you found power in step 2 put the other 2 wires you removed from the switch together and wire nut them. The remote will turn the fan on and off but the switches wont. Now go the other switch location.
George a homeowner from chicago il question. Scott first gives an explanation of the three way switch two switches that control one light fixture. Test a 3 way switchturn off power to the switches at the circuit breaker and using a tester make sure power is off. Touch the probes to the 3 wires removed from the switch until you get a reading on the tester indicating continuity. If switch 1 is off then switch 2 does nothing. I have a 3 way switch that was wired incorrectly when the switches were replaced with a different color switch.
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. Currently if switch 1 is on switch 2 can turn light on or off.
Gallery of How To Troubleshoot A 3 Way Switch Wiring
