3 way switch not working as such

[Jsf721]

I am not keen on playing with electricity. All I ever do is replace an outlet or switch when I can turn breaker off and swap like for like.

In this case I had an electrician in to install a new high hat so I asked him to install a new lighted 3 way switch at the top and bottom of the staircase. When he came I showed him the area to install the high hat (really an LED wafer light these days) and place I wanted the switch. He came and installed it while I was a t work and my wife checked it worked but not as a 3 way. So I called the Sparky and he said he must have not installed the traveler wire and would come to fix. He was supposed to come yesterday and no show and no return text. So is this an easy fix or not? I hate having to walk down stairs to shut the light off.

 

[Buckaroo5]

Unless he simply did not hook it up, likely not easy - you have to pull the wire through the wall between the switches. Difficult to believe anybody who knew what they were doing could "forget" to install the traveler wires.

 

[MovingAlong]

I am not keen on playing with electricity. All I ever do is replace an outlet or switch when I can turn breaker off and swap like for like.

In this case I had an electrician in to install a new high hat so I asked him to install a new lighted 3 way switch at the top and bottom of the staircase. When he came I showed him the area to install the high hat (really an LED wafer light these days) and place I wanted the switch. He came and installed it while I was a t work and my wife checked it worked but not as a 3 way. So I called the Sparky and he said he must have not installed the traveler wire and would come to fix. He was supposed to come yesterday and no show and no return text. So is this an easy fix or not? I hate having to walk down stairs to shut the light off.

You had a working configuration and didn't want to tackle the direct replacement. Now you don't have a working system and want to troubleshoot/fix a licensed electricians mistake?

For you - I'm going to say this may not be an easy fix.

I recommend the Black & Decker Complete Home Wiring book, but this one at Home Depot should cover your situation.

 

[fitter30]

This you might to look at

SkyLink Wireless DIY 3-Way On/Off Lighting Control Wall Switch Set -White SK8 - The Home Depot

The SkyLink Home Wireless 3-Way On/Off Kit gives you the convenience of adding an extra wall switch without the hassle of running additional wiring. You can turn lights on and off from either end, making

www.homedepot.com

 

[acer66]

Hope you figure it out and if you move the thread in the electrical section it might help more.

 

[paulsomlo]

So I called the Sparky and he said he must have not installed the traveler wire and would come to fix.

Hopefully, he means "must have not hooked up" rather than "must have not installed". Either way, he should have tested it before he left.

Here's a quick check: If you remove each switch cover plate, you will probably see a cable containing 3 wires (red,black,white) and a cable containing 2 wires (black,white). Each switch should have 3 terminals and each terminal should have a wire attached.

I don't have a good feeling about this - was there attic space up above to run cables?

 

[Jsf721]

Hope you figure it out and if you move the thread in the electrical section it might help more.

Yes I accidentally put it here, Mods please move to the electrical section - Thanks

 

[Jsf721]

Hopefully, he means "must have not hooked up" rather than "must have not installed". Either way, he should have tested it before he left.

Here's a quick check: If you remove each switch cover plate, you will probably see a cable containing 3 wires (red,black,white) and a cable containing 2 wires (black,white). Each switch should have 3 terminals and each terminal should have a wire attached.

I don't have a good feeling about this - was there attic space up above to run cables?

There was a functioning 3 way switch in place prior to him messing with it. Now that 3 way functionality is not workings. Sparky said i must have not connected (I said installed) the traveler. Its there unless he cut it.

 

[LOW1]

It really should be an easy fix. Are there a red, black and a white wire to each switch? Check the connections for each. If one is loose attach it to the terminal that does not have a wire to it BUT NOT to the green ground terminal.

 

[75gmck25]

Your initial description is a little confusing. Did he just replace an existing 3 way switch with a new lighted switch, or did he add a new 3 way switch and new wiring to the system?

3 way switches need a 14/3 or 12/3 cable (with red/black/white wires) to operate. There are variations in the wiring scheme and the switch locations, but you always need 3 wires at the switch. If the original installation did not have 3 wires, you have to run new wire to both switches.

 

[The Cobbler]

moved to electrical section,
OP maybe you could update how this worked out, if you got it resolved?

 

[Jsf721]

moved to electrical section,
OP maybe you could update how this worked out, if you got it resolved?

I’ll update this over tbe weekend as the sparky should be there Friday.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

If there’s an existing three-way then all he messed up on was the travelers

 

[nadogail]

Until it is fixed don't give him a good review, if he dosen't fix it at no charge, note that you have problems with him and his work in your review.

 

[Jsf721]

If there’s an existing three-way then all he messed up on was the travelers

The owner is coming. And said all along it was the travelers that were missed. Just took too long to come back and walking down stairs to shut off lights these few weeks sucked.

 

[Jsf721]

Until it is fixed don't give him a good review, if he dosen't fix it at no charge, note that you have problems with him and his work in your review.

Will definitely be a no charge call.

 

[Jsf721]

So as promised here is the resolve. The switches now work. The travelers were reconnected. Sparky was here for like 15 min or less to correct. It was
a no charge call. Took too long to return but he said he’s very busy on a large job far from my home