Because the electrical code as of the 2011 nec update requires a neutral wire in most new switch boxes a 3 wire cable runs between the light and switch.
Wall light switch only works in the middle.
That helps find the switch in the dark.
Wiring a 3 way light switch.
You could consider replacing one of the switches in 4 and or one end of line switch in 3 with a 3 way dimmer.
I have a 3 way light switch that is not working.
One switch controls the hallway light the other controls the outside light and one is not used.
If the switch won t turn off the lights it s probably because you bypassed it somehow.
This morning i replaced two 3 way switches that control a hallway ceiling light and now it works on only one position.
A wall switch is a mechanical device with moving parts that gets thousands of uses over the course of its lifespan so it s no surprise that switches eventually wear out and go bad.
This can be caused by different events.
I went to turn on the outside light and it would not work.
Both switches had one black wire connected to the common and then red and white connected to the travelers.
Wiring a 3 way light switch is certainly more complicated than that of the more common single pole switch but you can figure it out if you follow our 3 way switch wiring diagram.
This is an updated version of the first arrangement.
One of the plugs is always on and the other is controlled by the wall switch.
A third problem that might be blamed on the light switch can actually caused by the light fixture itself.
Guide to wiring multiple light switches electrical problem.
I checked the circuit breaker and it was good.
You might notice this type of issue if the light bulb flickers while turned on.
If your 3 way circuit uses an outlet or outlets instead of light fixtures you might get confused with the wiring if the outlets are split.
A wire getting loose in a terminal screw or in a wire connector at the switch or light fixture could cause the flicker.
Get one rated for leds and replace incandescent bulbs with leds.
Why did my light switch stop working.
You might want to consider a lighted switch in some cases such as having a light that dimly glows if the switch is off.
Screw the switches back into their boxes put the switch plate covers on and turn the power on to test the switches.
The red and black are used for hot and the white neutral wire at the switch box allows for powering a timer remote control or other programmable switch.
More than likely not but it is possible that if the contacts of the switch make partial contact that it could allow some of the voltage to pass but due to the partial connection would cause a voltage drop which in turn produces heat thus creating a fire hazard as well as possible damage to the contacts.
When i replaced i didn t care much about the travelers as i read in several diy sites that it didn t matter.