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10-27-2010, 05:14 AM #1
two way switch question switch wont work unless the other is in a certain position?
Hello all,
While inspecting a home yesterday I was trying to figure out what function each wall switch has. Two switches I found operated the garage lights. One switch was in the garage and the other in the house. One of the switches would not work unless the other was in a certain position.
Does this mean it is the wrong type of switch ie. 2way, 3way…? Or is this normal?
Thank you
mk
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10-27-2010, 05:19 AM #2
Re: two way switch question switch wont work unless the other is in a certain positio
It means that one of the two switches is wired incorrectly.
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10-27-2010, 05:44 AM #3
Re: two way switch question switch wont work unless the other is in a certain positio
Yes, wired wrong, one option. Most likely & typical cause. The older switches do not look like the newer ones, ie. 1945 /1990. So people have a problem replacing them correctly.
Bad switch is also possible.
The actual wire usual not the problem.
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10-27-2010, 06:03 AM #4
Re: two way switch question switch wont work unless the other is in a certain positio
Be careful reporting the repair process since this could very well involve an incorrect cable that would require running a new cable or wire. Two switches for one device needs two 3-way switches with two traveler wires between switches. Some older homes were wired wrong or someone tried to install 3-ways and failed to run the correct wire.
Bruce King, B.A. King Home Inspections, LLC
www.BAKingHomeInspections.com
Certified Master Inspector, Independent Inspectorwww.IndependentInspectors.org
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10-27-2010, 06:10 AM #5
Re: two way switch question switch wont work unless the other is in a certain positio
I most often find this where a dimmer has been installed. Always check operation in all combinations of switch settings.
The beatings will continue until morale has improved. mgt.
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10-27-2010, 06:37 AM #6
Re: two way switch question switch wont work unless the other is in a certain positio
Multiple location switching involves three-way switches, one at each end of the control path, if more locations within the run of the travelers, four way switches are installed in between the beginning and ending 3-way swtiches. (No "2-way" switches). 3-way and 4-way switches are not indicating (do not say "on/off").
Generally, the symptoms you describe are usually attributed to either a wiring error, or having installed an incorrect switch (3-way and 4-way switches look similar - difference is an additional screw post).
However, it may be that this is not a 3-way switch loop at all, it may be that there are two single throw switches in series - this is allowed, but can be confusing.
If the garage is not attached, and is not otherwise electrified, except via the garage switch: it may be that the switch local to the garage is acting as the disconnect for the structure.
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10-27-2010, 02:22 PM #7
Re: two way switch question switch wont work unless the other is in a certain positio
Several possibilities, including but not limited to:
- bad switch
- broken conductor (broken for various reasons, even a nail)
- wired wrong
- one switch is a single pole switch and not a 3-way switch
- etc.
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10-27-2010, 03:34 PM #8
Re: two way switch question switch wont work unless the other is in a certain positio
Very helpful!
Thank you all
Have a great week
mk
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10-27-2010, 11:30 PM #9
Re: two way switch question switch wont work unless the other is in a certain positio
Must be in series.
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