switch from the 1950's. We bought a new switch to replace the old one with. The new switch has two gold screws one on each side and one black one one side and one green screw. There are only three wires in the electrical box. We are not sure how to connect the wires. Right now on the old switch the black wire is alone on the bottom screw and the red and white wire are on the same side. How do we attach to the new switch? I am not sure if the number below is correct...It is a 3 way switch from Leviton
Computers & Internet - Leviton - (102-5G108-RW5)
Answers & Comments
Remove the black wire (it is called the switch leg in this case) that is connected to the bottom screw on the old switch and connect it to to the _black_ screw on the new switch. Then remove the red and white wires from the old switch and connect them one to each gold screw on the new switch. The red and white wires are the "travelers" and it doesn't matter which wire goes to what screw as long as you are connecting both to the _gold_ screws. The "odd screw out" is always the switch leg or hot.
If the switch box is metal you'll need to attach a (green or bare) wire from the green screw on the new switch to the box with a green screw. There are grounding clips available if the holes in the box are not threaded. Or use a 10-32 tap to thread the hole.
Please remember to turn off the circuit and be _sure_ it is OFF. Turn off the main breaker and work with a flashlight if you can't determine which circuit breaker to turn off.
Be safe, and Happy Thanksgiving!