3-way switch positions

2 years ago

I have five 3-way switches in my house. IE, two switches controlling a light. For four of them if both switches are up, or both are down, then the light is off; if they are in opposite up/down then the light is on. For the fifth set, though, it is the opposite; switches in opposite positions is off. The switches are all passle switches with the manufacturer name on them, so I know they are all installed the same way up.

Is this anything I should be concerned about electrically? Would flipping the two wires on one of the switches change it, or would the wiring at the light need changed? House was built in 2019.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

Dave
2 years ago
They cant be all three ways. Only the feed end and switch leg end. All middle switches would be four way.

I suggest studdying a wire diagram, and if you dont understand, call an electrician as its easy to get in over your head.
dennisgli
2 years ago
- Is this anything I should be concerned about electrically?
No.
- Would flipping the two wires on one of the switches change it, or would the wiring at the light need changed?
Yes - you can swap the travelers at one of the switches to change it. Or just turn one switch upside down.

But why do you think that the four sets are in the preferred configuration and the fifth one needs to be corrected? If I cared I'd "fix" the four to match the fifth one.
Frank Marsh thanked dennisgli
Related Professionals
Laredo General Contractors · Forrest City Home Remodeling · Augusta Home Remodeling · Houma Home Remodeling · Toms River Home Remodeling · Dayton Home Remodeling · Rock Hill Home Remodeling · Las Cruces Home Remodeling · Tuscaloosa Bathroom Remodelers · Ocala Bathroom Remodelers · Florence Bathroom Remodelers · Memphis Bathroom Remodelers · Gary Bathroom Remodelers · Elmira Bathroom Remodelers · Stockton Bathroom Remodelers
Frank Marsh
Original Author
2 years ago
@dennisgli I intentionally didn't use the word "fix". I just asked about changing it. I don't know if one configuration would be preferred by homeowners or "best practice" by electricians.