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Three-way Switch Replacement

Three-way Switch Replacement

Tao Zhuo

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A three-way switch is a common type of light switch that is used in many homes to control a single light fixture from two or more locations. Over time, these switches may become worn or damaged, requiring replacement.

Replacing a three-way switch may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and instructions, it can be a simple DIY project. In this guide, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to replace a three-way switch safely and effectively.

Whether you are a seasoned DIYer or new to home repairs, this guide will give you the confidence and knowledge you need to replace a three-way switch and restore proper functionality to your lighting system.

  1. Three-way Switch Replacement, Three-way Switch: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 Three-way Switch Replacement, Three-way Switch: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Locate and turn off the circuit breaker for your switch.

    • Try to turn the switch to ensure you turned the power off.

  2. Three-way Switch Replacement: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • Use the screwdriver to remove the 15mm Flathead screws on the wall plate.

    • Remove the wall plate from the wall.

  3. Three-way Switch Replacement, Determine voltage absence: crwdns2935265:03crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 Three-way Switch Replacement, Determine voltage absence: crwdns2935265:03crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • While wearing insulated gloves, gently pull out the switch and use a Duspol or any other Voltmeter to test if there is voltage at the contacts.

    • You can also use a single pole phase tester, but that's not the proper way to do it.

    • Do not work on live circuits if you are not an experienced professional.

  4. Three-way Switch Replacement: crwdns2935265:04crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Three-way Switch Replacement: crwdns2935265:04crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Three-way Switch Replacement: crwdns2935265:04crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Label the black live or load wire which connects to the power or the device and usually on the down position of the switch.

    • Use the screwdriver to loosen the 5mm Phillips #1 screw so that you can remove the live or load wire from the switch.

  5. Three-way Switch Replacement: crwdns2935265:05crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 Three-way Switch Replacement: crwdns2935265:05crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Label the two traveler wires where the up position is held by gold screws of the old switch.

  6. Three-way Switch Replacement: crwdns2935265:06crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Three-way Switch Replacement: crwdns2935265:06crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Three-way Switch Replacement: crwdns2935265:06crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Use the screwdriver to loosen the 5mm Phillips #1 screws so that you can remove these two traveler wires.

    • After the wires are removed, disconnect the old switch.

  7. Three-way Switch Replacement: crwdns2935265:07crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 Three-way Switch Replacement: crwdns2935265:07crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • You will find there are one or two wires left in the outlet box.

    • Ground wire is the bare copper wire.

    • The white one is the neutral wire that may be in another outlet box.

    • Please label the neutral wire and the ground wire.

  8. Three-way Switch Replacement: crwdns2935265:08crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Three-way Switch Replacement: crwdns2935265:08crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Three-way Switch Replacement: crwdns2935265:08crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Using your new switch, link two traveler wires to the positions with gold screws of the new switch and tighten the 5mm Phillips #1 screws.

    • Link the live or load wire to the position with a black screw and tighten the 5mm Phillips #1 screw.

    • Please ensure you link the wires to the correct places.

  9. Three-way Switch Replacement: crwdns2935265:09crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 Three-way Switch Replacement: crwdns2935265:09crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • If there is a green 5mm Phillips #1 screw on the new switch, please link the ground wire to and tighten it.

    • For the intelligent switch, there would be a green wire so that you can group the ground wire with the green wire and tighten them with a wire nut.

  10. Three-way Switch Replacement: crwdns2935265:010crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 Three-way Switch Replacement: crwdns2935265:010crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • There is an extra white wire on the intelligent switch.

    • Group the neutral wire with the white wire and use the wire nut to tighten them.

  11. Three-way Switch Replacement: crwdns2935265:011crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Three-way Switch Replacement: crwdns2935265:011crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Three-way Switch Replacement: crwdns2935265:011crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Turn the power on and check whether the new switch works.

    • Gently push the wires back into the outlet box.

    • You’ll also need to leave some space for the switch.

    • Secure the new switch with the 10mm Phillips #1 screws.

    • Finally, secure the wall plate.

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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

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