Replacing Three-way Switches

If a switch does not have ON and OFF marked on its toggle and has three terminals (not counting the ground), it is a three-way switch. A pair of three-way switches can control the same fixture by flipping the toggle on either switch.

If one or both of a pair of three-way switches fail to control the light, replace the faulty switch or switches. If the toggle is wobbly, replace the switch.

If you keep track of which wire goes where, replacing a three-way switch is not much more difficult than replacing a single-pole switch. If you forget to tag the wires, however, the proper connections can be difficult to figure out.

Checklist

Time
About 25 minutes if you remember to tag the wires; possibly longer if you forget

Tools
Screwdriver, side cutters, voltage tester, strippers, long-nose pliers

Skills
Stripping wires and joining them to terminals

Prep
Lay a towel or small drop cloth on the surface below the switch

Materials
One or two three-way switches, wire and wire nuts for pigtails, electrician's tape