Pulling power off a three-way switch
#1
Pulling power off a three-way switch
Can you pull power off the second three-way switch in in a three-way circuit or must I run a separate cable? Here's the layout. Incoming power goes to first three-way switch, then to second three-way switch, then to the load. At that second switch, is there constant power from one of the travelers to pull and utilitze for a different use? I don't think there is but thought I might ask and maybe save some cable. I have a bunch of these situations on my upcoming full house wire. Thanks
#2
No, you cannot tap power from the second 3-way switch. Tapping power from any switch is always iffy.
With your setup, you can tap power from the first 3-way switch box. I always like to tap power from an unswitched receptacle.
With your setup, you can tap power from the first 3-way switch box. I always like to tap power from an unswitched receptacle.
#4
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Here's an interesting thought...
By replacing the second three way switch with a four way switch, you can get power for a receptacle when the light is either ON or OFF. By breaking the tab on the receptacle you could have half the receptacle powered when the light is on, and the other half powered when the light is off.
By replacing the second three way switch with a four way switch, you can get power for a receptacle when the light is either ON or OFF. By breaking the tab on the receptacle you could have half the receptacle powered when the light is on, and the other half powered when the light is off.
#5
Bob, you can do that with the 3-way switch. Just connect one traveler to the top half of the receptacle and the other traveler to the bottom half of the receptacle.
Just in case, I'll point out that neither Bob nor I are making a serious suggestion.
Just in case, I'll point out that neither Bob nor I are making a serious suggestion.
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Not so fast John. We want the switched receptacle to follow the light or not follow the light, as the case may be.
But yes, I'm not seriously suggesting this. I can only think of one case where something like this might make sense, and there are easier alternatives.
But yes, I'm not seriously suggesting this. I can only think of one case where something like this might make sense, and there are easier alternatives.