Electrical issue

[Bugsinrugs]

So I have a problem I am trying to figure out. In my garage I have a three way switch .
In my mud room is another three way switch. In my great room is a four way switch,
.they all control the out side lights.
Unless the switch in the garage is switched to on, the other switches won't turn the light on. With the garage switch up(on) the mud room switch wil turn the lights on and off. The four way switch will turn the lights on and off but only if the mud room switch is up ( on). If the mud room switch turns off the lights the great room switch doesn't work at all. This has me baffled.....I know I should call an electrician but I have to try to figure it out first....the man card thing. Help is appreciated.

[legion]

I'm sorry, but when you have two 3-way and one 4-way switch involved, and they are wired wrong, the possible permutations cannot be diagnosed on the internet. It's not like you're watching the Kardashians while sipping an appletini--no need to turn in the man card for crying uncle on this one. I expect you will probably need to run some new wire and have three 4-way switches to correct the problem.

[HardDrive]

No man card violation here. Not by a long shot. I call a pro.

[Bugsinrugs]

Thanks, this one has definitely got the better of me.

[ossiblue]

Take a look at this link: How to Wire a 4 Way Switch

It sounds like someone did not use the correct switches or wired them in the wrong positions. From the link, "If you don't have the right switches you need to get the right switches rather than trying for hours to somehow make it work. I only say that because I've seen people try to figure out ways to make it work, using the wrong switches, and they end up with switches that have to be in certain positions for other switches to work and it's a huge mess to straighten out."

[look 171]

Has it always been like this?

[look 171]

I thought about this for a little more. It sound like four way switches are needed but someone has wired it wrong and used three ways in there. It just might be that one of those are dedicated switch but one of those wire has been connected to the switch leg. Something goofy is going on there. Hard to fix over the net.

[masraum]

When you have a single light and a single switch, you need a single two-way switch. WHen you have a single light and 2 switches, you need 2 three-way switches. If you have a single light and 3 switches, I'm pretty sure you'll need to use all four-way switches.

[Bugsinrugs]

Originally Posted by look 171

Has it always been like this?

No. Just recently my mud room switch shorted out. I replaced it and everything was fine for maybe two weeks. The original switches are Leviton. Local home center only had Chinese switches. Maybe that's the problem.... Chinese crap gets me again!

[look 171]

Maybe its the Chinese product, but I really don't think so? If there are dimmers involve, then I would suspect its the switch. Don't try this at home kids, but jump the switch with a wire to rule out the bad switch. Just be careful. You may not look too good with curly hair.

Yeah to your question above. I suspect you missed a wire during the switch change-out.

[carambola]

you have travelers and a common mixed up. if you pull the switch out of the wall - 3 ways only- you will more likely than not see two black wires and one red wire. the black wire that comes out of the sheathing with the red wire is the second traveler. take those two wires and put them on the brass screws. the wire that comes out of the insulation all by itself is your common. put that on the black screw. put everything back in the wall, turn the power back on and enjoy.

[rick-l]

It sounds like this has always bee FUBAR'd

First find where the hot and neutral come in. Then find the black and white wires to the light. Then sketch it out so the series somewhat follows this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiway_switching (travellers section)

[Bugsinrugs]

Ok....man card intact. Carambola, thanks as your description help me simplify my focus. Turns out the red wire is the common. This wiring is confusing because I have white wires taped black and black wires sprayed white( from texturing I guess). It all works now. Thanks guys.

[carambola]

well done. now if you could do me one favor? please wrap the wires clockwise around the screws, it lessens the chance of a loose connection.

[Bugsinrugs]

Originally Posted by carambola

well done. now if you could do me one favor? please wrap the wires clockwise around the screws, it lessens the chance of a loose connection.

Absolutely, once again thank you!

[E38Driver]

Here is a good source to help you with the issue.
WIRING A 4-WAY SWITCH

Dave