Simple home electrical debug?

[JavaBrewer]

Our stairway has ceiling lights controlled by 3-way switches at the top and bottom of the stairs. A year or so back we had a power outage lasting 12+ hrs. Since then I have not been able to get these lights working again. All circuit breakers at the electrical panel are fine and all other outlets and lights in the home work except the stair lights. So I pull the 2 switches to investigate. Each switch has a single red (R) wire and 2 black (B1 + B2) which I assume are the travelers. So with my handy lighted circuit meter I run these tests.

Downstairs wire test: R+B1=light; R+B2=no.
Upstairs wire test: R+B1=no; R+B2=no.

I would expect a similar test outcome at both locations. I tested with a new switch at both locations with no improvement. I cannot imagine that these 3 can lights have their very own breaker so I'm at a loss as to why no other switch or outlet in the home is affected. Any advice on how to proceed without contacting an electrician?

Thanks!

[peppy]

The only thing I can eliminate is the breaker, since you have power on the downstairs switch.

[imcarthur]

I used to be in the electrical biz & I know wiring . . . but . . . 3 way switches still mess me up. Did you try the downstairs in both positions when you checked upstairs?



Ian

[bell]

dumb question......did you check the bulb?

[dennis in se pa]

I suspect one of the switches is bad. Get 2 new ones and follow the wiring instructions on the boxes.

[red911sc]

If you have GFCI outlets (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) anywhere hit the test and then reset and try the lights again

GFCI outlet;

[john70t]

If that leg of can lights was somehow wired in series after the switch, then a bulb out would do it. Christmas tree lights.

The GFCI sounds like it.
Should have them anywhere near water.

[red911sc]

Regarding GFCI's - Be sure to test everyone in the house. I have always verified issue still present after testing and resetting each GFCI so I new which GFCI caused the issue in the future.

[86 ssinit]

If you remove the wire from the screw for r+b1 and touch them together do your lights go on? If so leave them together and now check the other switch you should have power there now. If the lights do not go on your tester is giving you a false reading. What kind of tester is it a touch tester? Remember it is electricity and you can get shocked!!!! The problem is finding the power source I am guessing it is at the light. Can you get to the light fixture? Your sure there are no other wires in the outlet box with the switch.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by imcarthur

I used to be in the electrical biz & I know wiring . . . but . . . 3 way switches still mess me up.

Ian

They are a puzzle.

Originally Posted by dennis in se pa

I suspect one of the switches is bad. Get 2 new ones and follow the wiring instructions on the boxes.

Yes, most of the time this is the problem.

JB, your testing is wrong. You will find your hot lug by checking R or B to N. Then, you should have current across R to B on top or B to B on the one switch. If not, it's dead.