Usually when a 3-way switch fails, lights can be toggled on and off at one switch, but not the other. If one of the two 3-way switches toggles the light(s) on and off, the other 3-way switch has probably failed. Follow these steps to find which switch is bad. Toggle each switch until the light come on.

What would cause a 3-way switch to stop working?

Identifying the common wires



Sometimes, a 3-way circuit doesn’t work because someone tried to replace a defective switch and did not properly connect the wires. Sometimes, one of the switches has become defective.

Why would a light switch suddenly stopped working?

A switch circuit that doesn’t operate correctly may simply have a tripped breaker or blown fuse. Head to the electrical service panel and locate the breaker or fuse. If the breaker is tripped, reset it; or if the fuse is blown, replace it with an exact duplicate.

How do you fix a triple switch?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: All right the first thing I want to do is make sure you turn off the power to the circuit. And then double check it with an electrical tester. And in this case because there's these push in wires.

Why is my 3-way light not working?

3-Way Bulbs



With a 3-way bulb, if it isn’t working at all, it’s probably dead. You can test it by moving it to a working 3-way socket, but it’s very rare that both elements of a 3-way bulb will fail at the same time. But if part of it is coming on and the other part isn’t, the problem may be with the socket.

Do 3-way electrical switches go bad?

Usually when a 3-way switch fails, lights can be toggled on and off at one switch, but not the other. If one of the two 3-way switches toggles the light(s) on and off, the other 3-way switch has probably failed. Follow these steps to find which switch is bad.

How do you test a 3-way switch?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Now I'm going to test the switch. See if it's working properly. I've continuity now between this common and this traveler.

What happens if you wire 3 way switch wrong?

If you don’t correctly connect this wire, then your lights won’t work from more than one switch. Grounding the switch: You’ll also need to locate the ground wire and connect it to the switch too.

How can you tell if a light switch is bad?

The first sign of trouble is when the switch begins to behave in a fashion that is abnormal in any way. For example, if there’s an audible crackle, snap, or popping sound when you flip the lever, then it’s pretty clear that your switch is defective and it’s time to replace it.

Can a light switch burn out?

Just like electrical outlets, light switches are prone to wear and tear after years of use. Wire connections inside the switch can loosen over time, leading to possible arcing. If you notice problems with one light switch, it’s a good idea to have all of them replaced at the same time to avoid the possibility of fire.

How do you fix a light switch that won’t turn on?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So when you have to replace a light fixture. If you turn the switch off you'll be able to work with the light fixture remove it and replace it as long as your switches in the off position lever.

How do you fix a switch?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Pull down the power button and hold on the home button here. For around fifteen or thirty seconds.