Stairway lighting should work from both ends—3-way switch defects are common and can be a safety issue.
3-way switch wiring Marlton NJ is a topic that comes up more often than most buyers expect—especially in stairways and hallways where lights should be controlled from two locations.
During a recent inspection in Marlton, NJ (08053), I found a stairway light at the top of the 2nd-floor stairs that was improperly wired, causing the 3-way switch to fail from one end of the staircase. In plain English: you could not reliably turn the light on/off from both the top and bottom of the stairs—exactly where you need it most.
A 3-way switch setup is designed so you can control the same light from two different locations (like the top and bottom of a staircase). When it’s wired correctly, you can turn the stair light on before using the stairs from either direction.
When it’s not working properly, it becomes a real safety concern:
You may be forced to walk into a dark stairwell to find a working switch
Kids, guests, and older adults may miss a step due to poor visibility
Carrying laundry, bags, or moving quickly increases the risk of slips and falls
Stairs are already a high-risk area. Lighting should be dependable—every time.
This defect is common, and it can show up in both older homes and renovated homes. A few typical issues include:
Switch legs or “traveler” wires connected incorrectly
A switch replaced without matching the original wiring configuration
Loose connections in a switch box
Improper splices or questionable DIY repairs
Even when the light “sort of” works, inconsistent operation from one switch is a red flag that the wiring needs professional evaluation.
A stairway light that can’t be controlled from both ends may lead to:
Trips and falls due to insufficient lighting
Delayed exit during an emergency (people hesitate or fumble in the dark)
Increased likelihood of someone using a phone flashlight, which reduces balance and awareness
In a home inspection, this is the type of “small” defect that can have big consequences.
If a stairway light is not operating properly from both switch locations, I recommend:
Have an NJ licensed electrician evaluate the 3-way wiring
Make necessary corrections so the light operates properly from the top and bottom of the stairs
Confirm safe, reliable operation after repairs
This is not a DIY guess-and-check repair—wiring errors can create additional hazards if handled incorrectly.
Issues like 3-way switch wiring Marlton NJ don’t always show up during a quick walkthrough. During an inspection, I test a variety of components using normal operating controls to help identify safety and function concerns before you finalize your purchase.
If you’re buying a home in Marlton or anywhere in South Jersey, an inspection helps you:
Identify safety defects before settlement
Request repairs or credits with documentation
Move in knowing the home’s systems were evaluated
Many homes include 3-way switching for convenience and safety in stairways and hallways. Regardless of “required” language, stairway lighting must be safe and functional—and if it’s installed, it should work correctly.
If the light only works from one switch, works inconsistently, or requires a specific switch position to function, it should be professionally evaluated.
A New Jersey licensed electrician should diagnose and repair stairway switch wiring issues.
National Institute on Aging – Preventing Falls at Home (room by room):
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/falls-and-falls-prevention/preventing-falls-home-room-room
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission – Falls prevention / home safety PDFs:
https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/OlderConsumersFallsNSN.pdf
https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/701.pdf
NJ Division of Consumer Affairs – Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors:
https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/elec
NJ License Verification (search contractors and professionals):
https://newjersey.mylicense.com/verification/
