Try to keep it simple - two switches in the box, one 3-way for hall light and 2-way for porch light. I needed to replace both for new color. In the process I find that both switches are in very bad shape and need replacing anyway. One switch literally fell apart by simply removing from box.

It appears that the 2-way switch is continuously receiving power from the 3-way switch regardless of 3-way switch position. I've never wired a 3-way but do understand the basic principle.

It's when I look at the existing wiring that I think something is probably not right.

Here are some pictures/descriptions:

Here is what's left of the 3-way switch - anyway, you can see there are 3 conductors installed.



Here's what I'm not sure about - there's a 4th conductor that is looped around a terminal and then travels to the 2-way switch. Is this legal?

 

You have your line in (power to circuit) going to one side of the "single location" switch (no such thing as a 2-way) and the common terminal of the 3-way. That is correct. The more common way of doing it now days is to connect two pigtails to the line black and one pigtail to each switch but either way is correct.

 

Additional image....

This one has been rotated 90% left and I'm not sure why. Nonetheless, you can see the 3 conductors entering the 3-way switch and the 4th looped and carried to the 2-way switch which has been removed.

 

Please read my post above your last post. .

 

Thanks Ray. I just wanted to make sure the code hadn't changed and this was incorrect.

Just to clarify, the common wire is hot and thus connected at the same terminal (on the 3-way switch) as the looped wire to carry power to the single pole switch?

The additional red and black wire are for the 3-way switch.

 

Yes, that is correct. Remember on the new 3-way switch you need to go by terminal color because the common may be in a different position.

 

Understood. Thanks again. I will post a pic for you guys before I turn the power back on.

Never can be too safe. :-)

 

The switch I purchased is identical and all connections should be the same. No worries there. I've decided to install a micro switch (Micro Smart Switch by Aeon Labs) to the the single pole switch for my home automation system. Initially, I didn't think I'd have room but I do and may as well install as I have everything exposed and have extra laying around.

The micro switch requires a neutral connection so I will need to add an additional neutral wire from existing pigtail. This will make a total of 5 #12 for the pigtail.

Any recommendation for wire nut/connector?

 

Red should work but it is borderline. A blue or gray will definitely work or use an Ideal push connector. http://www.idealind.com/prodDetail.do?prodId=in-sure

 

Perfect. Thanks Ray!

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