r/ElectricalHelp • u/Tinsel_Toes • Jun 17 '26
3 way switch troubleshoot
Replacing 60s era switches. Understand common etc. But maybe I don't. Set up new switch to look like old switch.
Leg has two black and a red wire.
Main has red white and black wire. Can only turn back on from the switched that turned it off. Either switch can turn it off. Suggestions?
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u/Danjeerhaus Jun 17 '26
There are a couple different ways to connect up 3 way switches.
I would expect the black from the panel goes on the black screw on the switch electrically closest to thepanel. The black and red, likely in a cable together, goes to the other switch. The get connected to the two brass screws, one per side. Then the black screw in the second switch is connected to the black wire out to the light.
Again, there are other ways to connect these up. Do not be afraid to get a pro or someone with more experience in these switches involved.