Recesed Lights On 3-way Switches
#1
09-13-14, 11:25 AM
Recesed Lights On 3-way Switches
Linesman, When I saw your 4 lights diagram between 2 three-way switches, I figured it was the solution to my problem. I finally found an outfit that sold 12-4 with ground (spent the big bucks for the wire) and installed my four recessed lights as you indicated. All the colors seemed quite dummy-proof! Despite triple-checking every single connection, it blows the circuit breaker every time! I even tried another breaker. Your diagram makes sense as a series of parallel circuits, but I can't get it to work. Help!!
Separated from: http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...le-lights.html. Diagram referenced below.
Separated from: http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...le-lights.html. Diagram referenced below.
Last edited by ray2047; 09-13-14 at 11:45 AM.
#3
09-13-14, 11:49 AM
Group Moderator
Welcome to the forums.
The diagram is correct and will work. It would be pretty hard for us to double check your wiring.
That method of wiring a lighting system is not ideal. It was a special purpose application.
The diagram is correct and will work. It would be pretty hard for us to double check your wiring.
That method of wiring a lighting system is not ideal. It was a special purpose application.
#4
09-13-14, 07:40 PM
Member
There is an issue with the diagram if your AHJ has adopte the 2011 NEC. The second 3-way switch box must have a neutral conductor that this diagram doesn't have. You could have spared yourself the cost of the 12-4 NM B cable had you come here first.
#5
09-13-14, 07:58 PM
Group Moderator
I didn't bring that up since I'm not sure if both three way switches need a neutral. I'm not wiring them that way.
Four wire could be used from the last light to the switch and the neutral would be carried thru.
Four wire could be used from the last light to the switch and the neutral would be carried thru.
#6
09-14-14, 07:56 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
Wiring the recessed that way also fills up the small wiring compartments and may be over the allowed fill for the boxes.
