I was wanting to replace an older light switch in my place. It's part of a pair of switches that turn on/off a the same light. One at the top of the stairs, and one at the bottom. After doing some research it looked like i needed a 3 way switch. So i bought 2 of them.
Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures at the moment so i'll try to describe what I have.
So at the top of the stairway I was able to replace it easily. There were only 2 cables(This is a house built in 1954, so there's no ground).
When I went for the bottom switch, there were a lot more wires. There were 6 wires coming in, 2 black, 2 red, and 2 white. 4 of those wires, 2 red, and two white, were attached to the light switch. Also, the light switch had no labels on it as to what was plugged in where, and all screws were bronze-ish in color. And the two black were together with a wire connector.
When I went to replace the switch with the new one, but it only had 3 screws. One black, and two gold.
What would be the proper way to attach the wires to this light switch? I can get some pictures and post them later tonight if it will help.
Best Answer
It sounds like your setup is like the following:
You seem to have the source coming to one, and then being looped to the other switch. Often time what happens in homes is that other devices get joined at a junction box. The "extra wires" you are mentioning are more than likely going to other devices and the box is just providing a spot to do so.
You will want to turn off the power to the switches and determine which wire goes where (for the other devices) and which ones goto your light and other switch.