Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - Basement Lighted Switch Question
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otj287
04-20-08, 01:14 PM
Ah, the joys of electricity. Well, I'm not an electrician, but have managed to change all the light switches and plugs in my new house (built in 1950) except for one.
The switch is a lighted switch with a red light on the bottom of the switch and the toggle switch on the top. This is at the top of the stairs to the basement. At the bottom of the stairs is a regular (I'm guessing 3-way) switch which also controls the same light.
I'm not sure if it matters, but there's an additional switch (also at the bottom) which controls a separate light in the basement and on the opposite side of the room, a second switch which also controls this second light.
The switch with the light broke (the actual red light) so I'm looking to replace that. I went to the regular home improvement stores and they did have a replacement switch, but it's single pole and I suspect that I would still need a 3-way.
What has me confused is that on the old switch, there are three terminals on the right and two on the left, not the usual two on both sides that I am used to seeing.
The wiring is like:
top left - red wire
bottom left - no wire
top right - white wire
top right directly underneath - black wire
bottom right - white wire
I'm confused for a few reasons: Do these DIY places not have a 3-way illuminated switch or do I not need one?
What would be the correct wiring when the new switch's terminals are different than existing?
I have tried reading the "manual" that comes with the switch but it was too confusing for me. The people at the local Home Depot did not know either.
Thanks in advance!
The switch is a lighted switch with a red light on the bottom of the switch and the toggle switch on the top. This is at the top of the stairs to the basement. At the bottom of the stairs is a regular (I'm guessing 3-way) switch which also controls the same light.
I'm not sure if it matters, but there's an additional switch (also at the bottom) which controls a separate light in the basement and on the opposite side of the room, a second switch which also controls this second light.
The switch with the light broke (the actual red light) so I'm looking to replace that. I went to the regular home improvement stores and they did have a replacement switch, but it's single pole and I suspect that I would still need a 3-way.
What has me confused is that on the old switch, there are three terminals on the right and two on the left, not the usual two on both sides that I am used to seeing.
The wiring is like:
top left - red wire
bottom left - no wire
top right - white wire
top right directly underneath - black wire
bottom right - white wire
I'm confused for a few reasons: Do these DIY places not have a 3-way illuminated switch or do I not need one?
What would be the correct wiring when the new switch's terminals are different than existing?
I have tried reading the "manual" that comes with the switch but it was too confusing for me. The people at the local Home Depot did not know either.
Thanks in advance!
goldstar
04-20-08, 03:35 PM
Yes, you need a three way switch. No, it does not need to be illuminated. Most big box personnel have limited expertise in any area.
joed
04-20-08, 04:43 PM
Telling us top, left, upper etc is useless info. The common terminal needs to be identified. It is usually a dark coloured screw or marked common. On your existing switch some of the terminals are for the light. Those won't be present on a normal 3 way switch.
Does the switch maker and model printed on anywhere?
Leviton does make a 3 way switch with pilot light.
Does the switch maker and model printed on anywhere?
Leviton does make a 3 way switch with pilot light.