Tommy Mac Discussions › Forums › Fix-it Forum: Home Improvement & Do It Yourself Repair Forum › 3-Way Switch

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    • October 5, 2008 at 9:04 pm #70986
      jgrossi2002
      Participant

      I am trying to replace a 3-way switch, but have messed up along the way. The current box has 2 12-2 and 1 12-3. Could someone assist in telling me which wires go to the Common and which ones go to Traveler?

      All of the diagrams I have seen on the net only have 1 12-2 and 1 12-3.

      Any help would appreciated.

      Thanks!

    • October 5, 2008 at 10:44 pm #295735
      Jasper
      Participant

      * You have two switches. Each has a Common, a N/C (Normally Closed) and a N/O (Normally open.
      * Wiring a 3-way switch.
      * Switch#1. The hot wire goes to the common of Switch 1.
      * N/O from switch#1 goes to N/O of Switch#2.
      * N/C from Switch#1 goes to N/C of switch#2.
      * The light fixture. Black wire goes to Common on Switch#2
      * White wire from the fixture goes to Neutral wire.
      * Good luck… Adios… Jasper…

      Jasper Castillo

    • October 5, 2008 at 11:12 pm #295736
      doug seibert
      Participant

      What you’re probably seeing is :

      One 12-2 cable Power IN

      One 12-2 cable Switched PowerOUT

      12-3 cable to the second 3-way switch

      To determine “Your” wire colors…..Open the second switch…..One 3 wire cable…No other wires correct ?

      The 12-3 ColorWire connected to the Painted/Dark screw is the Common….

      The other two 12-3 ColorWires are the Travelers……..Connect Travelers to Travelers(screws) at the first switch…

      PowerIN and PowerOUT neutrals connect….

      PowerIN Black connects to First SwitchCommon….

      PowerOut Black connects to the common 12-3 ColorWire from the second 3-way switch.

      “……measure Once…..cut Twice….
      throw that one away and cut a new one….”

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