![]() 4) Turn the power back on at the breaker and use your electrical tester to find the hot wire.3) Unscrew the wires from the switch and, as an added safety precaution, cap all of them with wire nuts.2) Turn the power off to the switch at the electrical panel.Note: If you live in an old house and it looks like the electrician who wired it used whatever color wire was in the truck that day, you’ll have to find out which wire is the hot wire. Just like with a single-pole switch, there’s also a copper grounding wire attached to a green terminal. The white neutral wire and another colored wire (such as red) attach to the other two terminals. The other terminals are called the “traveler” terminals. Hint: You can tell which terminal is the common one because it’s typically a different color (such as black) from the other terminals. 1) Attach the black hot wire to the “common” terminal.Now, let’s get that 3-Way Switch Replaced! (We don’t want you getting hurt!) For more complicated projects, you may want to invest in a voltmeter or multimeter. Note: Look for tools, such as screwdrivers, that are made for electrical work - they’re non-conductive to reduce the danger of getting shocked. It’ll be like you have your own professional toolkit! Notice anything about all those tools? They are all good-quality! Remember, good quality tools allows for good quality handiwork. A good quality non-contact electrical tester.Buy these tools from your local home center or hardware store: Don’t bother with bargain basement tools. Don’t hesitate to call a qualified electrical contractor whenever you feel that you’re in over your head.Īlso, be sure to have the right tools for the job.Double check the switch or outlet with an electrical tester to make sure the power is off.Always turn off power to a switch or outlet at the electrical panel.Replacing a three-way switch is more complicated than replacing a single-pole switch, but it’s still a task that can be accomplished by a distinguished Do-It-Yourselfer, like you!īeware! It’s important to keep in mind that electricity must be respected. (It depends on the position of the second switch and which switch was last used to turn the light or device on or off.) Note: This kind of switch will turn the light or device on or off from either the up or down position. Either switch is able to turn the light on and off. For example, say you have a light fixture in a hallway or entryway that’s controlled by switches at either end of the hallway or at the top and bottom of the stairs. A three-way switch is used to control a light fixture or outlet that’s controlled by two switches.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |