Adding a switch

I am trying to add a wall switch to control an oulet - a simple two wire job. I have two existing 3-way switches in the box I am adding the simple on off switch to.

My question is how do I wire the two way switch in order to take power from one of the existing 3-way switches?

I appreciate the help.

Tom

 

You may or may not be able to. Taking power from a 3-way switch is always an iffy proposition. It only works some of the time. If you want to pursue it, you need to tell us everything about the existing wiring in the switch box. After you tell us that, we'll either rule it out, or we'll ask even more questions.

Does the receptacle already exist? Or are both the receptacle and switch to control it new?

Tapping power from an existing unswtiched receptacle is a lot more foolproof if you can do that instead.

 

I am supplying more information on my previous "Adding a switch" post.

The switch I am adding is to control a new recepticle that is above cabinets. The two existing 3-way switches - one controls lights in the room, the other 3 way switch controls the ceiling fan and its light. Both existing 3-way switches have a black, red and white wire and ground.

Does this give the additional information you need?

 

This suggestion presumes ALL the conductors in what apparantly is a 2-gang switch outlet-box terminate on swich-terminals-- 6 conductors to 6 switch-terminals.

You will have to convert the fan/lite to single-pole ( one switch) control. If you eliminate the 3-WS for the fan/lite in the O-B which you refer to, you'll have space for a new switch and you will have a 120-volt "Feed-In" circuit across the Black & White conductors of the 3-wire cable that now connects to the 3 terminals of a 3-WS.

The 3-WS for the fan/lite that is located at another O-B, and which is now "paired" with the 3-WS that will be eliminated, will be converted to a single-pole switch.

Please inform us if this is a satifactory solution, and we will assist you with the necessary connections.

Good Luck & Enjoy the Experience!!!!!!!!!!

 

If by this you mean that there is a white wire connected to each switch itself (and not merely present in the box), the you are out of luck. Look for another source of power for your new switch and receptacle. None of the wires in this switch box are useful in any way.

An unswitched receptacle is usually a good source of power. Since the existing switch box is of no use, I suggest you install a new switch box rather than trying to squeeze your switch into the existing box.

PATTBAA's idea is also feasible too, if as he said you are willing to give up one of the existing switches, but it is a bit more complicated. I suggest that you first consider how you would do this project if that double-gang switch box didn't even exist.

Let us know how you would prefer to proceed.