Light Switch issue

[SaiWong]

Hello,

I have recently noticed an issue with my stairway light and wanted to post to this forum to
ask if this issue is "By Design" or can be fixed.

I have a light at the top of the stairs that can be controlled by TWO switches.

a) a single switch at the top of the stairs
b) a 2-gang (2 switches) at the bottom of the stairs

Note: The other other switch at the bottom of the stairs just operates the downstairs porch light.

The issue I have found is that sometimes when I use a switch to turn the
light at the top of the stairs on/off it sometimes does not work. I have to use the "other" switch
to do so. Is this "By Design" or a faultly switch ? I want to be able to control this light using
either switch regardless if the light is on or off.

I have noticed if I just use the downstairs switch to turn the light on and off throughout the
day then everything works fine. I just use the upstairs switch at the end of the day before I
go to sleep. However, I would then need to use the upstairs switch to turn back on the light
before I can use the downstairs switch again.

Can this problem be fixed ? I went to my local DIY store and got replacement switches.
I got both a "single 1 way switch" and a "single 2 way switch".

I am suspecting maybe the upstairs switch is currently a "single 1 way switch" when
it should be a "single 2 way switch".

Advise is appriciated, thank you.

 

[EFLImpudence]

If it has always been like this then it is likely wired incorrectly.

Can you post pictures of the wiring of both switches?

I am suspecting maybe the upstairs switch is currently a "single 1 way switch" when
it should be a "single 2 way switch".

Have a look.

 

[securespark]

You either have a faulty switch or a loose connection in one of the terminals, probably the second.

Has it always been this way?

 

[securespark]

Damn und blasten!

 

[EFLImpudence]

Language, Timothy.

 

[securespark]

Sorry!