3 way switch

[clcmbtn]

So in my hall I have a light that is wired thru a 3 way switch. Yesterday when I turned on 1 of the switches the light didn't turn on. I just thought it was the bulb. So I replaced the bulb and nothing. So I pulled one of the switches and i'm only getting 80 volts. I pulled the other switch and I'm getting the same thing. Anyone have an idea?

 

[geochurchi]

Hi, where are you taking the readings and what are you using for a meter?
Geo

 

[Sparky617]

Hi, where are you taking the readings and what are you using for a meter?
Geo

Are you taking the readings only on terminals on the switch? This is not a complete circuit. You need to be at the point where power comes into the circuit and measure from the hot (black) to neutral (white). The neutral is not on the switch. You would also get 120VAC (nominal) from hot (black) to ground (bare or green)

Here is a good graphic and explanation of the various ways of wiring a 3-way switch circuit.

http://www.electrical101.com/3way-switch-wiring-using-nm-cable.html

 

[clcmbtn]

Found it. Pulled the fixture down and the neutral was not in the wire nut. I can't for the life of me figure that one out, but problem solved. Thanks guys

 

[slownsteady]

I hope you checked all the connections in the box. If a wire can slip out of a wire nut on it's own, I would be concerned that could happen with the other wires.

 

[afjes_2016]

As slownsteady said above it is important to be sure that the rest of the conductors are tightly nutted together as needed.

Not to alarm you but - "Loose Wires-Start Fires" - loose wires can cause arcing and then the wires heat up etc.