Lost power to several light switches, now Im lost?

[drkwoods]

I have a set of three way light switches in my hallway at either end. I wanted to add a power outlet so the computer printer could sit at the end of the hallway on a desk. I opened up and removed the switch and did what they told me to do at HomeDepot and I was looking at a wiring diagram for the three way and thought I had it all right. I turned the breaker on and got an immed spark and smell/ But the breaker did not trip. I lost the power to the two bedrooms, the hallway and the stair case lights. the house was built 1988 and light switches only have two wires in them on each side of the switch. The three way swithches all have 4 wires in them.. Ive tested everything and I see 120v at the original threeway switch but I cannot get the lights to work anywhere on this circuit. Did I lose neutral? or what happened?  where do I start?

[DurhamAppliance]

more than likely you lost neutral in your bedroom. Get a cheap outlet tester to confirm... or if you have a non contact volt meter and it signals voltage is present but outlet doesn't work, that will also confirm loss of neutral. make sure to check voltage leaving the breaker as well. That's about the extent I can help you without being there. One of the other masters here more familiar with electricity may be of more service.

Caveat.... Since you experienced a burning smell, you should strongly consider getting a licensed electrician. Your family's safety is paramount.

Once that is solved, of further utmost concern is that you list Pliny the Elder as your favorite beer.... are you kidding me? I've been searching for a bottle of that stuff for years... I'll even be satisfied with The Younger if I could ever get it. We have one of the best beer stores in the east Sams Quick Stop, and several years back when I asked them to find me a bottle, they laughed at me. So I just gave up. lol

[RegUS_PatOff]

You may just have a bad switch

There's normally only 3 wires going to each 3-way switch.

Neutral doesn't connect to any of the switches, and might not be in the switch box.

[drkwoods]

the threeway switches have only 3 wires each.. But the switch box has the neutrals wire nutted together. IN one box theres three neutrals (Whites) in the other theres two.

[DurhamAppliance]

the threeway switches have only 3 wires each.. But the switch box has the neutrals wire nutted together. IN one box theres three neutrals (Whites) in the other theres two.

Correct

 

check out his video