Let me caveat by saying that I am a new homeowner with relatively little electrical experience, so please bear with me…
Our house has a standard 3-way switch with the light between the two switches. Originally I wanted to convert the 3-way to function as two single pole switches. I would have to add more wire directly between the switches to make that work, so I'm trying for a simpler option. Essentially, I want to splice an additional light onto the second switch, to work in tandem with the light in the middle. (see diagram)
The 3-way switch is working fine, but the new additional light turns on for a second and then off. First, does this setup work? If it does, does anyone have any ideas why the light is turning on then off immediately?
Best Answer
Ok In Tandem so when either switch turns the lights on or off you want the additional light on .. Simple
See those black and white wires that go to the light fixture in your current Original Lamp Fixture .. Wire your new lamp socket right there a black wire to the black and a white wire to the white and your green wire to the fixture ground (green wire) my drawing does not show the ground wire to the additional fixture but make sure you use it! BTW leave your switches alone ..
Done..
EDIT 8 Sept 2017
Make sure you turn your Circuit Breaker off before working on it (TEST that the breaker is off by operating both switches to see if your original light turns on - test with a multimeter to verify that there is no power between white and black on your original lamp), wear some electrical gloves and use the one hand rule - you will be safe that way. I work on circuits AS IF they were LIVE circuits - protects me from my forgetfulness .. or any special surprises. You will need wire nuts (yellow - maybe red) to attach the wires. Black to Black, White to White, and [Green/Copper] to [Green/Copper].