Hi folks,
Thanks for taking time to read this. I will explain how this is currently configured, hopefully it doesn't get too messed up. But the scenario is that the switch at the top of my stairs controls the basement lights. The switch at the bottom only acts as a main power switch, that is to say, if the bottom switch is ON, the top switch will work properly, if the bottom switch if OFF, the top switch does not work at all.
From junction box, 14/3 cable (black, white, red, ground) goes to the 3-way switch at top of stairs (looking at switch, common terminal is black screw and up top, let's call one silver screw T1, and across from that is let's say T2)
T1 _ T2
Gnd _ Common
Black - goes to T2
White - goes to other white cables
Red - connected to red from other 14/3 that goes to Bottom switch
So on the switch T1 has nothing connected to it. T2 has black from junction box. Common has black going to switch #2.
Switch#2 has Red on T1, White on T2, and Black on Common
I know this is wrong, but I've tried a few different configurations, but they either don't work at all, or trip the breaker. Can anyone offer a suggestion as to how the 14/3 from the junction box should be attached to Top switch? Then I just need to hook it up to Bottom switch.
I should also note, that from Top switch, there are two additional single-pole switches that the top 3-way feeds power into.
Thanks for taking time to read this. I will explain how this is currently configured, hopefully it doesn't get too messed up. But the scenario is that the switch at the top of my stairs controls the basement lights. The switch at the bottom only acts as a main power switch, that is to say, if the bottom switch is ON, the top switch will work properly, if the bottom switch if OFF, the top switch does not work at all.
From junction box, 14/3 cable (black, white, red, ground) goes to the 3-way switch at top of stairs (looking at switch, common terminal is black screw and up top, let's call one silver screw T1, and across from that is let's say T2)
T1 _ T2
Gnd _ Common
Black - goes to T2
White - goes to other white cables
Red - connected to red from other 14/3 that goes to Bottom switch
So on the switch T1 has nothing connected to it. T2 has black from junction box. Common has black going to switch #2.
Switch#2 has Red on T1, White on T2, and Black on Common
I know this is wrong, but I've tried a few different configurations, but they either don't work at all, or trip the breaker. Can anyone offer a suggestion as to how the 14/3 from the junction box should be attached to Top switch? Then I just need to hook it up to Bottom switch.
I should also note, that from Top switch, there are two additional single-pole switches that the top 3-way feeds power into.
Last edited: