What kind of light switch do I need?

Question

I'm sure this has been asked and answered before, but I don't know what kind it is I need to ask, so maybe someone can answer it for me or point me in the right direction.

I changed some light switches in my kitchen (from cream color to white), not thinking about the fact that there is a light that is controlled by two switches (I had to replace one of them).  Now it doesn't work right.  I'm sure I used the wrong kind of switch when I replaced it.  Before I go back to the hardware store to get a new switch, I'd like to be a little prepared as to what it is I'm looking for.  I'm sure there will be someone at the store that can help me, but I'd like to have a little knowledge first.

So... What kind of light switch do I need when there are two switches that control one light?

Thanks.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

The others are correct about the 3-way switch. Perhaps it would help you to see a great article about 3-way switches. Figure 2 of this article is especially good.
http://www.act-solutions.com/kingery06.htm

Fordman · Answer

It's called a 3-way switch.  The way it works is you have a common terminal and the hot wire goes to it.  Then the other 2 wires are called runners and the go to the other 3-way switch and the common of the 2nd switch is hooked to the load or in your case the light.  It'll work then.  Good luck.

Just be sure to connect the hot wire to the common terminal and the load to the common terminal of the other switch.

sheck · Answer

looks like an worry-free rocker swap in basic terms replace it with the swap of your decision following what its used for of direction if the only man or woman your chatting with at hd or loews (i discover in my section that loews is the worst for knowledgeable human beings) doesnt be attentive to something detect a revenues clerk who does

Anonymous · Answer

you need a threeway switch....

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What kind of light switch do I need?

4 Answers