I am installing a combination ceiling fan/light. I want to be able to control the fan AND ALSO the light from a 3-way switch. Light is used as entrance light to the room as well as lighting the room while in use.
Problem: NO SUCH 3-WAY SWITCH MADE.... Does anyone know how to wire this??? Certainly is not THAT unusual a situation... is it???

I understand that only ONE switch can control the unit and the other will be simply a "slave" switch, but THIS is what I want... BUT, I need to be able to control BOTH... unit is mounted on a cathedrial ceiling......... to high to hang chains from light... (besides looking stupid...)

THANKS GUYS,
jw

 

I know of no satisfactory simple solution. I've never found duplex 3-way switches, and even if you could find them, you'd still need more cable inside the walls and ceiling.

I have two main suggestions (I've done both):
(1) An add-on remote control, such as the Hunter All-Fan remote.(2) Connect the fan and light to the same switched wires. Use the existing switches primarily to control the light, and use the pull chain to turn on the fan when you need it.

I assume when you mean "a" 3-way switch, you are talking about a "pair" of 3-way switches, e.g., in a room with two entrances. True?

If you are willing to open up the walls and ceiling, you could change out the single-gang boxes to double-gang boxes and add extra cabling in the walls and ceiling. The exact details of this depend on the existing wiring.

 

True.....

There currently is 14-3 running from switch A to the ceiling box. 14-3 also runs between switch A and switch B. Power is by 14-3 to switch A. Both switch boxes are for double switches (two switches per box.) I can eliminate one of the OTHER switches in ONE of the boxes.

thx again