How to replace 3 way light switch?
The use of light switches has been prevalent for ages. There are several ways a light switch can perform like you can switch off and on the light, increase or decrease the brightness, and several others. The role of these switches is quite important as people face a lot of trouble when they fail to work. According to electrical experts, worn-out switches need to be replaced at regular intervals. And, the best way to get rid of problematic switches is to replace them with modern switches.
If you want to replace a 3-way light switch with a new one, things may not be easy and you may need the help of a skilled electrician in Auckland. However, if you want to know about the same, you can get to know everything about 3-way light switch replacement in this post. To ensure best-in-class safety and security, don’t hesitate from contacting one of the leading electrical contractors in Auckland.
Steps on how to replace 3 way switch:
Is your 3 way light switch not working correctly? Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Find the switch
The simplest three-way switch configuration consists of two switches that are connected to and operate a single light fixture, such as switches at either end of a corridor, stairwell, or big living space. Most frequently, the light they control hangs from the ceiling above. These particular lights, as opposed to ordinary lamps hooked into outlets, are hard wired.
Step 2: Get the tools
To get the job done in a proficient manner, you would need certain tools and not a bag full of all the tools. For example, you would need:
· Pen voltage tester
· Flathead screwdrivers
· Wire nuts
· Electrical tape
· Wire striper
· Multimeter (optional)
Step 3- Turn off the main power
With this job, safety should come first, and that starts with turning off the electricity to your outlets. Turn off the breaker for your main electrical panel before you do anything. Concentrate only on the circuit breakers that supply electricity to the switches and light fixtures you intend to repair.
Step 4- Get to the wiring
It’s time to access your wiring now. Each faceplate is frequently secured in place at the top and bottom by a pair of screws. To remove the plates covering each switch, unscrew these screws first.
Once the wires are connected, it’s standard practise to tape over the switch terminals. Apply tape on the exposed terminals on the old switches. Use a voltage pen to check for a live current out of an abundance of caution. Turn on your voltage pen, then tap the switch’s edges. Watch cautious if the pen starts to flash and emit an alert.
The screws holding the old switches in place should then be removed. On the top and bottom of each switch, they are in tabs. Additionally, the screws made holes in the electrical box underneath them. Gently remove the switches from the electrical boxes to gain access to the wiring. The wires should still be tightly fastened to the screws securing them to the switch’s terminals; take care not to loosen any of them.
Step 5: Understand the wiring condition
There should be two bundles of wire inside each of the two electrical boxes. Give each box the names “Box A” and “Box B.” It can be presumed that the floor above the basement is where the boxes you’re working in are located. If so, it is crucial to consider which way the wires enter each box. It will enable you to determine where they came from and finally identify them.
Step 6 — Put in new switches
Disconnect a wire from the old switch in Box A and connect it to the appropriate terminal on the new switch. One wire at a time, methodically, will help you prevent confusion and blunders. The black wire from the three-wire bundle connects to the new switch’s “common” terminal, also known as the line, when coming up from the main panel. On the switch, this terminal has to be labelled “COM” or painted black.
The travellers (wires from the other switch) are the black and red wires in the other bundle (four-wire), which enter the box from the top. These two wires should be connected to the two brass switch terminals. It doesn’t matter which silver terminal you use for them.
The black wire from the three-wire bundle (black, white, and copper) should similarly be connected to the black terminal on the new switch within Box 2. Connect the four-wire switch’s brass terminals with the red and black wires from the other bundle. Once more, these are the travellers that link the circuit’s two three-way switches.
Step 7- Test
Test your switches before turning the power back on at the main panel. You’ll be able to see that your new switches are operating straight away if they include stylish LED indications. You deserve a pat on the back, so give yourself one. Kudos to you if you add advanced smart switches in the future. You now have the abilities to deal with that as well.
The Conclusion
Is your 3-way light switch not working correctly? If yes, call a skilled and experience electrician in Auckland right away? If you are looking for professional help for light switch replacement, Strike Electricals is one of the leading electrical contractors in Auckland offers a wide range of services including wiring upgrade, smart home setup and others.
Disclaimer- The information provided in this content is just for educational purposes and is written by a professional writer. Consult us to know more about how to replace 3 way light switch.
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