Fix problem with 3 way and 4 way switches not working right
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ต.ค. 2024
- If you can’t figure out why a switch won’t work when another switch is turned off or on, this will help you fix the problem and understand how these switches work easily.
![How to Fix Your Botched 3 or 4 Way Switches [+ Troubleshooting a Bad Switch]](/img/n.gif)
I couldn't fix my 4 way switch problem until I watched this video. Thank you!
So glad it helped!!
Thank you! "If you have this switched around...it's never gonna work." THAT was what I needed to hear.
So glad it helped.
I cannot thank you enough! I'm a single woman and a big DIY'er. I started to update some toggle switches to the decorator switches like in your video. I tried the switches and found that one didn't work. Come to find out I put a 3-way switch on a 4-way wiring. (Insert face palm). I had zero knowledge of the 3-way, 4-way (in the middle), 3-way set-up. Thanks to you, I do now! You are a God send! God bless you! Thanks again.😊
Thank you so much for sharing. As a single Mom to a now adult with special needs, I have taken on a number of challenges. Sounds like you are too!! You go girl!!
Best tutorial on TH-cam…..women are so practical and her explanation of 3-way and 4-way switches and how to follow the hot wire through the series of switches is invaluable. Using the voltmeter ; disconnecting all the wires to find where the power comes into the circuit; the black and brass screws……I had two 3 way and two 4 ways switches controlling a couple hallway lights and it’s never worked properly …..for years….even had an electrician spend several hours and he didn’t get it. This video troubleshooted it amazingly well….best 7 minutes I spent on TH-cam.!!!!!hands down…..
I found this the most informative, practical, and step-by-step direction for how to troubleshoot and install 3/4 way switches. I have watched numerous videos on TH-cam....this one by far is the best ever.
Thank you. No need to make it more difficult than it is. So glad it helped you.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
every single diagram showed the 4 way switch as having the red on one side and the black on the other and that was WRONG!
THANK YOU for pointing out what should be so simple and obvious!
Thank you. I do my best to make it simple. Please Subscribe. So glad it helped!
It worked!!! For two years I had it wired incorrectly. This video walked me right through it. Thank you so much for this very informative video!!!
This was the best tutorial I have seen yet. Your explanation made so much sense . I finally understand how it works. Thanks so much , you're the best !!
This is great. Thanks for the extensive explanation.
Your explanation of the four way switch was as good as the “This Old House” explanation of the three way switch. Very good.
Thank you. I was so tired of trying to figure out which switch yo by urn on or off to get them to work. So happy this is helpful to others.
replaced 40 year old switches, they have changed! Got them working, thanks to you! "5 stars"
AWESOME.....Thank you, I had the exact same issue and tried a few different methods, yours was the only one that worked.... Great job
Rob, glad it worked. Please like and subscribe. I need to do more videos. I am always fixing things for friends and just need to have them video me as payment-lol.
Thank you for sharing this knowledge. I needed to replace some smart switches in a four way circuit that were no longer compatible with my home security system. The smart switches were nothing like the 3 pole and 4 pole switches needed to get my circuit working. After scowering the intranet and many videos, I stumbled upon this video. Not only did it assist me in my shopping list of switches needed but got the wiring correct on the first try. Thank you Ma'am!! Nice place Btw. :-)
Ok
You area a Princess!!! You saved me hours of head scratching. Thanks so much.
You saved me so much headache trying to figure this out. Thank you!
So glad it helped you! If you haven’t subscribed it helps me to have subscribers and viewers. All the proceeds go to buy a home for my son who has Autism. Thanks for the comment. Much appreciated.
Thank you so much! I had fiddled with adding smart switches and when that didn't work because I am missing a traveler the first 3 way, I tried reconnecting the original system back...this is where your video saved me!
This was an absolute lifesaver! Thank you!
This video is the reason why people buy Books for Dummies. I’ve watched other videos where people tried so hard to sound smart and complicated but in the end, watched a video that explained 4 way switches in English and fixed my problem! Thank you!!
Absolutely!! So glad it helped.
Does it make any difference where in the line the light is attached? I am trying to add a third switch to an existing three way set up. The second three way switch has only one 14/3 wire coming to it, so I am not sure where the power to the light is coming from. Can I just replace the second three way with a four way, and add the three way to the end of the nee wire I run? Does any configuration change depending on where the light is connnected?
Great job, Brie! Thanks for making this video, it really was helpful.
Thanks Michael. Glad it helped.
I watched at least 6 other videos that were overly technical, read the switch boxes front to back, and even had a contractor advise me AND THIS VIDEO was the one that got me to success. Now granted I learned a lot before getting here but nobody was doing videos showing the actual switches in the walls and walking us through like this. Thank you so much!
Meghan, it's great when a video helps you solve a problem. So happy mine helped you achieve success!
Thank You so much for this video, I have an entry light that has 4 switches to turn on & off, about a year ago, it was not functioning correctly, it was like a game, which one was gonna work. Today I found your fix-it video, went through the process, found the one power wire that was loose, causing the other switches to work sometimes. Thank You again, saved me money & time to not have to call an electrician.
I like to thank you for your video, easy to follow and figure out. save me a lot of time reading through the diagram.
Great video!!! Thanks so much, after watched multiple videos I couldn’t find the way to make my 4way switch worked until I found yours. Thanks again!!!!
So happy to help and thank you for the message.
20+ years in the biz, best answer for 2 three ways between a 4 way, right on mama, it's a man's world, but y'all know how to make it run!! Happy MLK Day !!!!
Thank you. That truly made my day. I truly appreciate helping others understand how to be able to fix problems for themselves.
Thank you! I screwed up our 3 way / 4 way switches and you helped me fix it! Much gratitude!
Excellent video. Most miss the fact that, on the last switch, black is output and brass is power in.
Thank you!!! Needed a positive word today. So appreciate your making the time to comment.
Very helpful. Liked, saved and will be shared.
Nick, glad it helped.
Your Flipin Awesome. God Bless. You made it simple :)
Thanks so much. I did my best to simplify this. I know how frustrating it was for me to figure it out. Happy it helped you too.
This video helped fix our problem in our new house. Thank you!
So glad it helped! Happy Thanksgiving. Please like and subscribe.
Thank you helpd me debug a new 4 way switch install
So glad it helped. Please subscribe. Thank you.
Great video - solved my electrical outlet issue! Need to have a 4 way switch with the two black screws
So glad it helped.
@@briesbreeze8594 I saw the light 💡 after watching this video
Thank You!💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
My pleasure. So glad it helped. Please like and subscribe:
The sound is too low. Use a better or remote mic.
I just checked the volume and I hear it fine so not sure what is going on with your not being able to hear it. Perhaps try using another device. I will definitely try a remote mic next time to help improve sound. Thanks for your suggestion.
Great explanation. I always got the theory. Still had troubleshooting issues until I heard... 'this is the key point'. Well done!!!
I just wish the audio and video were better .
Good job, thank you Brie.
This is the absolute best info I have ever seen!
Thank you!! I keep wanting to do more but my videographer (my son-lol) has been working at Amazon for nearly four years now so I can’t video my many projects since. Glad it helped.
Good Video, minor ankle bite, and maybe it's just me. I turned my volume all the way up and could still barely hear you. Added headphones, and we're golden. Just my 2 cents. Thanks for the Video.
Brie - you are a goddess. Thank you!
That is very sweet. Thank you!
Wish u would name the tool you’re using so I know what to buy…
You may buy an inexpensive voltage tester to test for power.
I cannot express how grateful I am for this video. Hours of fiddling and consulting google to no luck, and this video had me fixed and up and running in 20 minutes.
Thank you!!
So glad it was helpful. Just my small way of paying it forward.
This is how a TH-cam help video should be. No overly long intro, no prompt to subscribe. Present the challenge and in plain english and with examples show how to resolved the issue. Well done and thank you.
Thank you Chris. Just a single Mom trying to pass it forward. You please like and subscribe.
Good info. Well done young lady.
Thank you! So needed this affirmation today.
Super helpful, thanks! 👍
So glad it helped. Please subscribe. Thanks so much.
Thanks, made my task a breeze!
Luv it!!!
Besides being beautiful, you know your stuff
Thank you. I do my best! Please like and subscribe.
@@briesbreeze8594
Good morning thank you
THANK YOU! 💡👍👍👍👍
Please like and subscribe. Thank you.
Great video!
Thank you. That’s very kind.
Very Helpful video. Figuring out which switch pulls the initial power from the box is key. Here’s a tip- black screws don’t always mean black wire. The 4-way switch has an “IN” side and an “OUT” side on the diagram you’ll see that. Pay attention where it tells you to put the hot wire from the first switch on the “IN” side and put the red wire in the available slot on the same side. Mirror on the “OUT” side. On the third switch, the hot black wire goes on the side with only one screw.
Thanks so much for adding this!
Wait, so how do u know the line wire if u said turn off the breaker first?
I replayed the video to make sure I didn’t say turn off the breaker before checking with the voltage meter for power. I share that you need to test first. Once you know which one is your live wire then you should turn off the breaker. Hope this helps.
Super helpful!
@@MohammadRihan-c4d glad it helped you.
Thanks so much for making this video! I have been trying to figure out this 3way for years and with your video I had it sorted out in no time! You explained everything so clearly step by step and that was much more helpful than all the diagrams showing how the circuit flows.
Thank you for your message and so glad my video helped. I keep needing to do more. Your message inspired me. Thanks
Thank you so much!!! I’ve had electricians not figure this out and you relayed this information perfectly. I actually have proper working switches now!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
My pleasure!
If only I had watched your practical, step by step explanation BEFORE spending hours of frustrating trial by error....A toast from a grateful viewer 🍷🍷.
Thanks Doug. Glad it solved your problem.
Thank you so much! You saved me a ton of time and many wall bangings, much appreciated!!
My pleasure. I know how frustrating it was for me until I fixed it. So happy it was helpful for you.
You are one smart lady I think you know more bout electrical than I do seriously, good videos👍
Thanks. I just try to do my best to make it easy.
I liked everything about this video 👍😉
I disconnected all of them from the switches and there are 5 different live wires two in two of the switches and one in the other 😳. Am I cooked?
@@judahjaquith6854 you should only need one live wire unless that switch is used to turn on a light and perhaps an exhaust fan. What is each of the switches used to turn on and off?
Your the bomb thank you for your perfect tutorial ❤💕
I spent an hour changing wires around and still couldn't get things hooked up correctly. After watching your video, I fixed the problem in 3 minutes!! Thank you!
So glad it helped!
Wow! We’ll done Brie! Easy as pie when you explain it.
I'm sorry I just Subscribed but u need a new Quality Camera or GoPro....👍🙏
That is a perfect solution. Thanks. I will get a GoPro.
Thank you! Spent a lot of time trying to figure this out, was about to throw in the towel and call an electrician. Once I watched your video, had it fixed in no time.
So happy this helped you. It is simple once you understand how the switches work. Thanks for the comment.
Same here! All the diagrams on the internet did not help, but this video did! Thank you! It really helped to see a red & black pair on each side (black screws or brass screws, not black to black and red to brass!) That made ALL the difference!
The easiest video to follow and it helped fix the issue with a switch change and incorrect rewire. Thank you!
So thankful to hear. Glad it helped.
You are beautiful and smart!!!!!
Excellent troubleshooting tutorial! I just upgraded three switches that control a lamp at the top of the ground-to-top-floor landing, and the setup does NOT work flawlessly, despite my having made a direct swap of wires at each new switch. I will follow your technique and report back later. Thank you, Ma'am!!!!
Hope it worked.
Awesome tutorial! Solved my exact problem. Best tutorial out there....Thanks Brie
I loved the way you that explained that. So much easier to follow. Thanks.
You saved me. Excellent explanation.
Thanks so much you saved me hours of headaches. I’ve been trying to install a smart switch for months and been going back and forth. Your video was very clear. Thanks again
Best explication ever! Thanks.
This was posted 3 years ago and helped me out today. Thanks for your step by step instructions.
Glad I helped. I remember how frustrating the switches not working as they should was for me.
Thank you so very much! Your video was the only one that I could understand given that it was the same exact situation that I was dealing with in my dining room.
So happy it helped. I know how frustrating it was for me before figuring it out.
Hello Brie, I have 2 light fixtures on 2 separate floors (floor1 and floor2) controlled by 4 light switches; 2x 3-way and 2x 4-way light switches, for a total of 4 light switches. The idiots that wired my house put the switches in the following order (get this!) 4-way at one end -> 3-way -> 4-way and finally ending at the last 3-way. The best part, is that the entire circuit is connected with 2 separate breaker switches in the switch panel.
Does this make sense to you? I have been working on replacing the 30+ year old light switches with Leviton lighted switches, for both 3-way and both 4-way switches.
So what happens if I have a four way flip switch that has 4 brass screws?
You always put your 4 way switches between the 3 way switches! The 3 ways are at each end with any number of 4 way in between. Like in a stairwell which has many floors! You can put many 4 ways in the middle and it will always be called a 4 way switch
This is my first comment on TH-cam... I stayed up all night troubleshooting my 4 way switch. I watched your video and it took me 5 minutes to fix! You have a wonderful teaching style! Thank you.
Thanks Michael. I actually became a special ed teacher to homeschool my son who has Autism and Intellectual Disability. The schools said he would probably never read or write. He does both, drives a car, and works for a company who absolutely loves how conscientious he is about his work.
Hope you subscribe. If I get enough subscribers my account may become monetized. I believe this means You Tube may pay me. That would be such a blessing. Both of my jobs shut down due to everything that is going on.
I have four children and I can't imagine how challenging that must be for you. You never know what life is going to give you. It is rewarding as you can celebrate their accomplishments. I appreciate people who go the extra mile for their kids.
I hope all goes well for you and your channel. This virus thing is affecting everything. I can't wait for everything to get back on track!
@@michaeldrummer9384 I pray things get better for all of us.
Your the best. Great video. U helped me out greatly
Awe, thanks. I owe a lot of how I explain things to my wonderful son. He has Autism and Intellectual Disability, but he has taught me way more than I could ever teach him.
That did it, I can now turn on the garage light from all three places. Thank you!
This was so helpful thank you!
Thanks for video, if you had 2 more light fixtures where would to hook up to?im installing 3 can lights & having 2-3 ways 1-4way because of long hallway
I wish the audio was better.
Thanks. I will try to work on that in the future. If there is something you needed clarification on, feel free to post a message.
Your video saved my sanity. Thank you so much. Of all the videos I watched, trying to fix my issue, your video is the only one that made sense to me. Thank you, thank you. thank you!
Great video super helpful and easy to understand ... now all my switches work
OMG thank you so much for this video. I was perplexed as to why the switches were not working correctly.
Thank you!! Your video worked perfectly.
perfect!
Awe, thank you.
Thanks THANKS
So what happens if you have a four-way flip switch with 4 brass screws?
CromanAnimation My 4 way switch has 4 brass, what I did was look on the switch which tells me to ensure the arrow is on top. Then I used the top 2 brass as input(incoming from your live three way switch) and the bottom two as output, going to the second three way switch
God bless you
Fixed my problem. The one peice I, a total novice, wasn’t sure when the breaker should be on or off. Luckily some small amount of common sense kicked in and I was able to use your information to fix my problem. Even without the ‘mansplaining’ for the first 5 minutes of the video. Thanks and keep up the good work.
so how do u turn off them headlights?
Brie's Breeze Terrible volume on this video makes it difficult to understand what you are saying.
Not sure why you are experiencing this. I played it back on a couple of devices and the volume is both loud and clear. Perhaps you need to turn up your volume?
Terrible
Never once did she mention the white wires that are part of the group of wires that make up your romax wire? In 14/3 cable you don’t count the bare ground.
14 is the size of the wire and 3 is each wire red, white and black!!!!
With out the three separate wires you can’t make a 3 or 4 way switch work
This video is really to fix a miswired light. Normally the neutral(white wires) are not attached to the switch so it is not an issue. Good point, though, if someone did wire it with a white(neutral wire). These should be connected together with a wire cap. I have usually found that people mess up the traveler and Iive wires when wiring switches. This was my case and just sharing how I fixed it. Glad it helped some people on here. Thanks for your input.
@@briesbreeze8594 Just to note, the white wires are not used in switching so not connected to the switch itself, only spliced together with wire nuts in each box for the "circuit involved." You must know which white wires might control a separate circuit to not mix them up with the 4-way circuit you are troubleshooting, esp. if you have a multiple gang light switch like the one shown at the end of Brie's hall by the back door.
Super helpful! Thank you so much for this guide.
Absolutely my pleasure to help others figure this out. Have a wonderful week!