maddmaxx ★ Posted November 22, 2017 Share #1 Posted November 22, 2017 I just replaced an old dimmer switch in a non standard ckt. It's a 3 way setup but the dimmer only worked to dim, not turn off the lights. It turned out to be a 2 wire dimmer in a 3 way ckt. I replaced it with a standard 3 way wall switch. The trick was determining what was AC line and what was common/traveler. Old wires covered in dust and grime. Off with the breaker. Checked all wires for voltage with meter. Pulled both switches out of the wall at opposite ends of the hall for some clues as to which of two blacks and one white went where. On the old 2 wire dimmer the white was tied to one of the blacks. On the old 3 way things were more clear. Wired in new switch. Tested breaker and nothing blew up. Tested switches and the hall lights go on and off as they should. I'm rusty and it's embarrassing. Lights work now. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parodybot Posted November 22, 2017 Share #2 Posted November 22, 2017 I can tell by licking the wires which is which. Only works if breaker is on. You should try this method. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kzoo Posted November 22, 2017 Share #3 Posted November 22, 2017 1 minute ago, maddmaxx said: Off with the breaker. Checked all wires for voltage with meter. Amateur....... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddmaxx ★ Posted November 22, 2017 Author Share #4 Posted November 22, 2017 Just now, parodybot said: I can tell by licking the wires which is which. Only works if breaker is on. You should try this method. I met an electrician during my apprenticeship at P$W who hit the wires with the back of his hand. If they were hot his hand jumped away from them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kzoo Posted November 22, 2017 Share #5 Posted November 22, 2017 Oh my. Parodybot and I thinking alike at the same time. I need a nap. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddmaxx ★ Posted November 22, 2017 Author Share #6 Posted November 22, 2017 1 minute ago, Kzoo said: Amateur....... Nope. Former journeyman technician who is rusty enough to play safe. You know............old school. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randomguy Posted November 22, 2017 Share #7 Posted November 22, 2017 7 minutes ago, maddmaxx said: I'm rusty and it's embarrassing. I have never done this at all, you are way the hell ahead of me. I am useless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddmaxx ★ Posted November 22, 2017 Author Share #8 Posted November 22, 2017 1 minute ago, Randomguy said: I have never done this at all, you are way the hell ahead of me. I am useless. Yes. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kzoo Posted November 22, 2017 Share #9 Posted November 22, 2017 6 minutes ago, maddmaxx said: Nope. Former journeyman technician who is rusty enough to play safe. You know............old school. As in.... There are old electricians and there are bold electricians but no old bold electricians. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Longjohn ★ Posted November 22, 2017 Share #10 Posted November 22, 2017 Three way and four way can be confusing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kzoo Posted November 22, 2017 Share #11 Posted November 22, 2017 7 minutes ago, Longjohn said: Three way and four way can be confusing. Speaking of being rusty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddmaxx ★ Posted November 22, 2017 Author Share #12 Posted November 22, 2017 17 minutes ago, Longjohn said: Three way and four way can be confusing. I don't do four ways. A man has to know his limitations. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thaddeus Kosciuszko Posted November 22, 2017 Share #13 Posted November 22, 2017 I bet the permit cost four times what the light switch did... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddmaxx ★ Posted November 22, 2017 Author Share #14 Posted November 22, 2017 7 minutes ago, Thaddeus Kosciuszko said: I bet the permit cost four times what the light switch did... Permit? Did I look like I lived on an Island? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrentonMakes Posted November 22, 2017 Share #15 Posted November 22, 2017 We have owned two houses and each one had a set of incorrectly-wired three-way switches when we moved in. I fixed them both, but there may have been a little bit of trial and error involved with one of them. (no injury though) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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