GatorKenD
Member
Hey kremeoweet - the 3-way switch on the left only looks different because it's new. The other three in the box are 1979. When this problem first surfaced, I assumed one or both of the 3-ways had some intermittent short. I replaced both with new switches on Monday. It's just a basic 20a 3-way switch.
Your point that the extra red/blacks purpose is unknown is exactly right. I think whatever they go to (timer maybe?) is the source of the short. Whatever that is, its not something I've used or am aware of after living in the house for two years. I wrapped this up for the night last night by leaving the extra red/black wires disconnected (with wire connecters screwed on). I suspect that's solved my immediate probem. With them disconnected, the two light switches work as you would expect them to. They did not turn themselves on last night, but another day or two will probably tell.
Having said that, I'd still like to know what they were supposed to do. I was hoping that someone would see the wiring configuration and offer up a, "hey, you'd wire in an 'xyz' that way!" As it is, I'm not sure what I'm looking for. The switch next to has the same "extra" set of wires. Like the first one, it's one of two 3-ways. Unlike the one in question, I'm not getting that odd 25-30v reading on the off switch and it doesn't turn itself on.
Your point that the extra red/blacks purpose is unknown is exactly right. I think whatever they go to (timer maybe?) is the source of the short. Whatever that is, its not something I've used or am aware of after living in the house for two years. I wrapped this up for the night last night by leaving the extra red/black wires disconnected (with wire connecters screwed on). I suspect that's solved my immediate probem. With them disconnected, the two light switches work as you would expect them to. They did not turn themselves on last night, but another day or two will probably tell.
Having said that, I'd still like to know what they were supposed to do. I was hoping that someone would see the wiring configuration and offer up a, "hey, you'd wire in an 'xyz' that way!" As it is, I'm not sure what I'm looking for. The switch next to has the same "extra" set of wires. Like the first one, it's one of two 3-ways. Unlike the one in question, I'm not getting that odd 25-30v reading on the off switch and it doesn't turn itself on.