Dumb electrical question-3 way

**dmclone** · 06-20-2011, 04:55 PM

I have 2 light switches that control the same sets of lights. I need to remove one of the light switches and cap them off. I did this but now my lights won't turn on. I assume I have to do something with the active light switch?

**LonoClone** · 06-20-2011, 04:59 PM

Aww, the actual thread subject is a letdown after reading the title.

Thought we were going to get a lesson on the proper use of a golf cart battery as a marital aid.

**hawkeyeh8r** · 06-20-2011, 05:10 PM

Originally Posted by LonoClone

Aww, the actual thread subject is a letdown after reading the title.

Thought we were going to get a lesson on the proper use of a golf cart battery as a marital aid.

ya the title to this thread got my hopes up and then brought them crashing down

**Shockin** · 06-20-2011, 05:24 PM

You can leave the existing switch the way it is. The location where you removed a switch from needs to have two of the three wires tied together. If you remember which color screws the wires where on you need to tie the one that was on that black screw to one of the other two wires. Leave the remaining wire capped off. If you don't remember which one went where just tie two of the three together its no big deal. Just guess. It won't hurt anything. If if doesn't work. Try a different two wires.

**CyCloned** · 06-20-2011, 05:26 PM

three way switches can get messy, especially if they are not wired correctly. This web site might help you. 3 way Switch Troubleshooting - DIY

You will need to eliminate the travellers by wiring them together with the wire that goes to the light. Since there is probably no way to tell what wires go where, you may need a volt meter to figure it out.

**iahawkhunter** · 06-20-2011, 05:27 PM

Originally Posted by dmclone

I have 2 light switches that control the same sets of lights. I need to remove one of the light switches and cap them off. I did this but now my lights won't turn on. I assume I have to do something with the active light switch?

I would think that you would need to wire two of the leads together in the junction box for the switch you removed (either the red and white or the black and white). Connecting one of the hot (red/black) leads with the common (white) will mimic leaving that switch in a single position, thus making your remaining switch act like a normal two-way switch.

There could likely be a better solution, though. I'd recommend sketching out your circuit showing how each component is connected (both switches, the lights, and the incoming power). Then you should be able to see what changes need to be made to remove one switch while still having working lights. Ideally you'd be able to not have any power go into the box with the removed switch.