AWESOME!!! A picture / diagram is worth a million words. And your approach shows that less, is often more. You kept it simple, basic and easy to follow. All the theory videos are great for those who want it. I only needed enough step by step guidance to get this one time project done correctly. Your approach was the "Three Way Switches To Multiple Fixtures For Dummies" was perfect for me. Thank you.
THAAAANK YOU! I’ve been looking everywhere to find someone that specifically wants to take an existing single pole switch+fixture and make it into a 3-way. (Many will smirk or laugh as I’ve gathered it’s “Simple”, but I wanted to be 100% I had it correct.) After searching high and low this is the only video on RUclips I’ve seen address that specific situation. Again, much appreciated!
THANK YOU !!! Of all the many "3 Way Switch" videos on the web, yours seems to be the only one that shows the power source and the appliance/light on the same side of the first switch !
Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you. Not a lot of scenario diagrams out there for adding a three-way switch to an existing circuit. Much appreciated!
Oh man thank you! I thought I messed up today wiring power to the 2nd switch instead of power to 1st, then 2nd switch, then the lights.... I almost rewired everything, I screenshotted the diagram, and your straight forward explanation without the whole "don't forget to like and subscribe, oh and buy my tools at the link bellow" is appreciated lol
Thanks so much for this video and Diagram. I put off fixing my 3 way switch for 7 years because I didn't want to get over charged by an electrician. Watching this video along with another 3 way switch video, I finally figured it out. Again, thank you.
Confused… your switch shows two brass screws across from each other, mine shows a black and brass across from each other, with the black screw labeled as common on the switch. So am I still wiring the red wire to a brass screw or to this black common one?
Ignore the colors. Think of the wires purpose. Power and neutral. Just keep the power flow consistent across all fixtures. Power wires deliver the power and bureau wires close the circuit
Everything was looking good and helpful. I think at the end when you activate the circuit it was a 20 amp breaker and you were using 14/2 and 14/3 wire which you aren't supposed to do. You need to use 12/2 or 12/3 wire wit ha 20 amp breaker.
@@RundownReborn If you have a 20 amp breaker you can't by code use 14 gauge wire. Doesn't matter that your home run is 12 gauge, all wire on the circuit needs to be 12 on a 20 amp breaker. The wire could fail before the breaker trips.
So bill if all the wires are already in place and all I was doing was to replace the existing lights for led waffle lights would that be ok? Also the box supplied with the led waffle lights is so small and if I am using a pig tail is there a way to connect all the wires and make them fit inside the small box? Thank you….
Great video!! I’m still having trouble with an existing 3 way switch, one light. That part was already here. When I try to dub another light it just doesn’t work properly. One light will light and the other will not. I’ve tried new switches, everything works as it should but can’t get the 2 light added? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
Thank you so much for this video! It was amazingly helpful! I'm getting ready to rewire the basement lights to do just this. Quick Question: Is there a way to add a light (Light Fixture #3) coming off of Switch 2 but still powers on at the same time as Light Fixtures #1 & #2? Light Fixture #3 would be at the top of the stairwell going down into the basement and Light Fixtures #1 & #2 would be down in the basement. Thanks!
I watched another video that said you didn't have to connect the neutrals to the switches. Just curious in what scenarios you would and wouldn't need to connect neutrals
Could I replace (switch #2) with a motion sensor? I'm looking to control 3 outdoor lights by my garage door using an outdoor motion sensor and a switch inside the house.
Nice vid, but the “common” red wire is not the “common” by actual licensed electrical contractors. Whatever goes to the black screw (feed/line/power) is the common…..
In this scenario, do the light fixtures have to be a special "3-way" type? I need to replace two hallway light sconces that are operated by two "three way" light switches. or can I just purchase any wall light sconce I want?
Lights are basic two wire connections plus a ground. The three way refers to the type of switch configuration. You could three way switch a giant robot in a factory or a tiny led light bulb. The fixture is independent of the switch. Just make sure you kill the power at the panel before working on electricity! ⚡️
Excellent explanation! Quick question, if my basement stair light is running off of two three way switches, is it possible to add one more light to the top of stair case? It looks like the previous owners started the loop at the bottom of the stairs, used a common red travel wire to run to the switch at the top of the stairs, but used the white wire of the second as a load line to that second switch. It’s all a little screwy bc there is only one red common line for three separate connecting points that are using 14/2.
They both can be - it depends on how you wire it. Old wire standards did not have a red wire - it had two blacks. The only physical difference between the two types of wire is the color of the insulation. Now 3-wire strands have red wires in them. If you are working with already installed wiring - assume they both can be hot. But when installing new wiring - use the black wire as your "hot" wire and use the red wire as the common wire for 3 way switching. Hope this clarifies things a little. Thanks for watching!
A switch can operate anything. It just turns the power on or off. It doesn’t care if a receptacle or a light or a nuclear power plant is on the other end of the wire.
I wish there was a way to add a second light to a 3 way switch where you cannot access the wiring for the first light. I read somewhere you could use a duplex 3 way switch as the second switch, then run power to the second light from the other switch on the duplex (the non-3way switch). I tried it. Didn't work.
If a 3 way is already setup, and you just want to turn one fixture into two high hats ... couldn't you install your new high hat and pigtail off of it to make it two highats ? If you get what im saying .... wouldn't I be fine not making any changes to the switches ?
The lighting wiring is independent of the switch wiring. If you daisy chain the lights - the switch will control all of them. Hope this helps clarify your issue.
Yes. I used 14/2 wire for all connections except the connection between the switches. 14/3 wire has that extra red wire to enable 3 way switching. I used 12/2 wire for my home runs to the panel. Thanks for the question and for watching.
I wired a three way switch to a new outlet and now the outlet works but only if the switch is on. I needed it to be hot without needing to be switch operated.
Yes. The switch interrupts the constant supply of electricity to the outlet… same as if it were a light fixture. You need a direct connection to the outlet if you don’t want the switch to interrupt the circuit.
The 3way wire routes the constant power through the dual switches. You must find the source hot wire and splice it and run direct power to the outlet independent of the switches. Otherwise the switches interrupt the power. It might be at the second switch. You have to determine which wire is coming directly from the power source and that wire needs to be directed to the outlet (around the switches).
This is an old standard of wire. You will need to have some testing devices to determine which black wire is hot. This might be a difficult thing to do without experience. It can also be dangerous or hazardous if not installed properly. I would recommend inquiring someone local that has some electrical knowledge to take a look at it for you and offer advice.
I could watch this video 30 times and never understand it I can't understand electrical wiring. I can run a plug or jump power from some place and put in a plug but three-way switches I have no clue no matter how much videos I watch??. I guess I leave it to the electricians
Sorry. I tried to make it as clear as possible. 3 way switches can be confusing to begin with. If you aren’t comfortable with DIY electrical, you can always hire an electrician.
@@RundownReborn no i don't have the option of hiring an electrician and im not condeming you for me not understanding your video ill just keep serching for one that i can understand you did a great service im not criticizing you for my failure to understand hope you forgive me for that thank you anyway im sure most others understand your video.
@@jimmyjennings8956 use multiple sources. There are many ways to wire a 3 way switch. The underlying premise in all of them is you must complete the circuit in a loop and use a third wire (the red one) to allow the switches to function independently. It can be tricky to figure out. The red wire links the switches and interrupts the neutral loop.
AWESOME!!! A picture / diagram is worth a million words. And your approach shows that less, is often more. You kept it simple, basic and easy to follow. All the theory videos are great for those who want it. I only needed enough step by step guidance to get this one time project done correctly. Your approach was the "Three Way Switches To Multiple Fixtures For Dummies" was perfect for me. Thank you.
So glad to hear that the video was helpful!
THAAAANK YOU! I’ve been looking everywhere to find someone that specifically wants to take an existing single pole switch+fixture and make it into a 3-way.
(Many will smirk or laugh as I’ve gathered it’s “Simple”, but I wanted to be 100% I had it correct.)
After searching high and low this is the only video on RUclips I’ve seen address that specific situation.
Again, much appreciated!
3 ways can be tricky. Glad the video was helpful
THANK YOU !!! Of all the many "3 Way Switch" videos on the web, yours seems to be the only one that shows the power source and the appliance/light on the same side of the first switch !
Thanks for watching
Best 3way video because u explained the best straight forward 💪🏾💯
Finally! A 3 way switch video for more than 1 fixture! Thanks so much!
You're welcome! Thanks for watching!!!
Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you. Not a lot of scenario diagrams out there for adding a three-way switch to an existing circuit. Much appreciated!
Glad to hear the video was helpful!!!
Oh man thank you! I thought I messed up today wiring power to the 2nd switch instead of power to 1st, then 2nd switch, then the lights.... I almost rewired everything, I screenshotted the diagram, and your straight forward explanation without the whole "don't forget to like and subscribe, oh and buy my tools at the link bellow" is appreciated lol
Glad to hear it was helpful
Thanks so much for this video and Diagram. I put off fixing my 3 way switch for 7 years because I didn't want to get over charged by an electrician. Watching this video along with another 3 way switch video, I finally figured it out. Again, thank you.
So glad to hear that the video was helpful.
Thank you. This wire setup is exactly what I needed.
Glad I could help
best instruction I found on you tube, have watch many hours looking for easy to understand instructions
Very nice of you to say. Thanks for watching and welcome to the channel!
Thank you! That was so clear and concise i see where i went wrong with my neutrals!
Glad to hear that the video was helpful. Thanks for watching!
Great video - thank you being concise and accurate!!
🙏
Great explanation! Thank you for posting this! This was the exact situation for me, simply adding to an existing circuit.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching and I’m glad it was helpful
Confused… your switch shows two brass screws across from each other, mine shows a black and brass across from each other, with the black screw labeled as common on the switch. So am I still wiring the red wire to a brass screw or to this black common one?
Ignore the colors. Think of the wires purpose. Power and neutral. Just keep the power flow consistent across all fixtures. Power wires deliver the power and bureau wires close the circuit
Thank you man
I fix my light))
Very good information)
Glad it was helpful!!! Thanks for watching!
My porch has four outlets on two switches... I hope this helps me decipher what's going on. Thanks!
Good luck! Hope it helps you out. Thanks for watching.
Thank ya thank ya thank ya!!!!!
You’re welcome. Thanks for watching!
Everything was looking good and helpful. I think at the end when you activate the circuit it was a 20 amp breaker and you were using 14/2 and 14/3 wire which you aren't supposed to do. You need to use 12/2 or 12/3 wire wit ha 20 amp breaker.
I usually use 12 gauge wire for my home runs to the panel.
@@RundownReborn If you have a 20 amp breaker you can't by code use 14 gauge wire. Doesn't matter that your home run is 12 gauge, all wire on the circuit needs to be 12 on a 20 amp breaker. The wire could fail before the breaker trips.
So bill if all the wires are already in place and all I was doing was to replace the existing lights for led waffle lights would that be ok? Also the box supplied with the led waffle lights is so small and if I am using a pig tail is there a way to connect all the wires and make them fit inside the small box? Thank you….
Great video!!
I’m still having trouble with an existing 3 way switch, one light. That part was already here. When I try to dub another light it just doesn’t work properly. One light will light and the other will not. I’ve tried new switches, everything works as it should but can’t get the 2 light added? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
Sorry I’m late. Hopefully you got it figured out
Thank you so much for this video! It was amazingly helpful! I'm getting ready to rewire the basement lights to do just this.
Quick Question: Is there a way to add a light (Light Fixture #3) coming off of Switch 2 but still powers on at the same time as Light Fixtures #1 & #2? Light Fixture #3 would be at the top of the stairwell going down into the basement and Light Fixtures #1 & #2 would be down in the basement. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful! Not sure about your other situation
Most likely you can wire all 3 lights together in a series
is not 14 gauge wire for 15 amps but you have a 20amp breaker ?
I saw that at too at the end of the video...
Thanks for the feedback
I watched another video that said you didn't have to connect the neutrals to the switches. Just curious in what scenarios you would and wouldn't need to connect neutrals
3 way switches can be done several ways. This is one way
This appears to be on a series rather than parallel. Would you recommend series in a residential?
🤷♂️
Could I replace (switch #2) with a motion sensor? I'm looking to control 3 outdoor lights by my garage door using an outdoor motion sensor and a switch inside the house.
That will probably work for you. A motion sensor is basically a switch.
Nice vid, but the “common” red wire is not the “common” by actual licensed electrical contractors. Whatever goes to the black screw (feed/line/power) is the common…..
Thanks for the feedback
Too Good 👍
Thank you!!!
In this scenario, do the light fixtures have to be a special "3-way" type? I need to replace two hallway light sconces that are operated by two "three way" light switches. or can I just purchase any wall light sconce I want?
Lights are basic two wire connections plus a ground. The three way refers to the type of switch configuration. You could three way switch a giant robot in a factory or a tiny led light bulb. The fixture is independent of the switch.
Just make sure you kill the power at the panel before working on electricity! ⚡️
How do you bypass a centre outdoor light for a ring camera. I want the switch to control 2 outdoor lights and want the ring camera independent. Thanks
Rings are usually wireless. Otherwise you have to splice into the main run somewhere before the switching
Excellent explanation!
Quick question, if my basement stair light is running off of two three way switches, is it possible to add one more light to the top of stair case?
It looks like the previous owners started the loop at the bottom of the stairs, used a common red travel wire to run to the switch at the top of the stairs, but used the white wire of the second as a load line to that second switch.
It’s all a little screwy bc there is only one red common line for three separate connecting points that are using 14/2.
You should be able to daisy chain multiple lights from the existing light.
One guy says black is common this guy says red....I feel like I'm at my government job....lol
They both can be - it depends on how you wire it. Old wire standards did not have a red wire - it had two blacks. The only physical difference between the two types of wire is the color of the insulation. Now 3-wire strands have red wires in them. If you are working with already installed wiring - assume they both can be hot. But when installing new wiring - use the black wire as your "hot" wire and use the red wire as the common wire for 3 way switching. Hope this clarifies things a little. Thanks for watching!
Yep everyone has a different way of saying and doing.. this is all over the place.
Can I change switch one into a combo light and receptacle switch?
A switch can operate anything. It just turns the power on or off. It doesn’t care if a receptacle or a light or a nuclear power plant is on the other end of the wire.
I wish there was a way to add a second light to a 3 way switch where you cannot access the wiring for the first light. I read somewhere you could use a duplex 3 way switch as the second switch, then run power to the second light from the other switch on the duplex (the non-3way switch). I tried it. Didn't work.
Possibly but I’m not sure how. 3 way wiring can be tricky. Possibly splice into the wiring going to the existing light.
If a 3 way is already setup, and you just want to turn one fixture into two high hats ... couldn't you install your new high hat and pigtail off of it to make it two highats ? If you get what im saying .... wouldn't I be fine not making any changes to the switches ?
The lighting wiring is independent of the switch wiring. If you daisy chain the lights - the switch will control all of them. Hope this helps clarify your issue.
Was the light fixtures on a 14/2 wire ?
Yes. I used 14/2 wire for all connections except the connection between the switches. 14/3 wire has that extra red wire to enable 3 way switching. I used 12/2 wire for my home runs to the panel.
Thanks for the question and for watching.
OK hooked it all up exactly as described in your video and it's not working, pops off every time we try
Try again. If circuit breaker is tripping, the circuit isn’t closed
I wired a three way switch to a new outlet and now the outlet works but only if the switch is on. I needed it to be hot without needing to be switch operated.
Yes. The switch interrupts the constant supply of electricity to the outlet… same as if it were a light fixture. You need a direct connection to the outlet if you don’t want the switch to interrupt the circuit.
@@RundownReborn so do I have the wires backwards at the outlet. If I switch them will it be constantly on at the outlet
The 3way wire routes the constant power through the dual switches. You must find the source hot wire and splice it and run direct power to the outlet independent of the switches. Otherwise the switches interrupt the power. It might be at the second switch. You have to determine which wire is coming directly from the power source and that wire needs to be directed to the outlet (around the switches).
What if there’s no red cable and only 2 blacks and one white
This is an old standard of wire. You will need to have some testing devices to determine which black wire is hot. This might be a difficult thing to do without experience. It can also be dangerous or hazardous if not installed properly. I would recommend inquiring someone local that has some electrical knowledge to take a look at it for you and offer advice.
I could watch this video 30 times and never understand it I can't understand electrical wiring. I can run a plug or jump power from some place and put in a plug but three-way switches I have no clue no matter how much videos I watch??. I guess I leave it to the electricians
Absolutely. Electricity is not something to take lightly.
Put it in Minecraft red stone terms and I’ll be a A+ electrician
💪👍
Extremely confusing.
Sorry. I tried to make it as clear as possible. 3 way switches can be confusing to begin with. If you aren’t comfortable with DIY electrical, you can always hire an electrician.
@@RundownReborn no i don't have the option of hiring an electrician and im not condeming you for me not understanding your video ill just keep serching for one that i can understand you did a great service im not criticizing you for my failure to understand hope you forgive me for that thank you anyway im sure most others understand your video.
@@jimmyjennings8956 use multiple sources. There are many ways to wire a 3 way switch. The underlying premise in all of them is you must complete the circuit in a loop and use a third wire (the red one) to allow the switches to function independently. It can be tricky to figure out. The red wire links the switches and interrupts the neutral loop.