Adding non-switched outlet from 3-way switch
#1
08-03-03, 08:58 AM
Adding non-switched outlet from 3-way switch
I added an wall outlet to a hallway, and decided I'd run the power from the light switch located just above. I had forgotten that the switch is indeed a 3-way that controls the hallway light. Is it possible to run power to my new outlet from this switch? I can't seem to figure out which wires to select so that the outlet will always be hot. The switch has two black wires connected and one red, and there are two white wires coupled together in the box. Thanks for any advice you can provide.
#2
08-03-03, 09:47 AM
I am no electrician and need diagrams for figuring things out. Here is a diagrammatic site for three way wiring. Maybe you can apply it to your situation.
http://www.danswiringpage.com/3ways_101.htm
HTH
http://www.danswiringpage.com/3ways_101.htm
HTH
#3
08-03-03, 03:39 PM
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Look at the three way switch closely you should notice that one of the screws are different (colored differentlt than the other two or labled common on the plastic near it) this wire will either be the (hot) wire from the source or it will be the wire that feeds the lights (switch leg) If it is the hot wire from the source then you are in luck use this wire and the white and you are done, but if it is the switch leg you need more wires.
#4
08-03-03, 08:32 PM
Thanks for the replies. I'm guessing the common wire is the switch leg, because I put a test light on the white and every other wire (one at a time), and I couldn't get any combination to keep the test light lit when I changed positions of both 3-way switches. It sounds like I may have to go to plan B, which involves tapping off an outlet a little further away.
