3 Way Switch 3 Lights
#1
01-29-16, 08:15 AM
3 Way Switch 3 Lights
Hello All,
I want to install 3 lights and 2 three way switches in a spot where I currently have 1 light and 1 switch. The incoming power is at the light. I looked for a diagram with three way switch and 3 lights but i could not find one. So I modified a diagram I found. Would this work they way I have it in the diagram or would there be a better way?
Thank you
#2
01-29-16, 08:52 AM
Member
The connections as you have drawn them will operate the lights correctly.
But 2011 and later NEC now requires a neutral in every switch box. This is to accommodate timers, occupancy sensors, etc. (there are a few rare exceptions, like if there is conduit or other raceway between boxes)
So you would use 14/3 from the lights to SB1 and 14/4 from SB1 to SB2. The unused neutral is just wire nutted off.
Then I would alter your diagram to keep white as the neutral everywhere, and use the other colors (black, red, blue) for the switched conductor and travelers.
If you use plastic boxes you don't have to bond the ground to the box.
But 2011 and later NEC now requires a neutral in every switch box. This is to accommodate timers, occupancy sensors, etc. (there are a few rare exceptions, like if there is conduit or other raceway between boxes)
So you would use 14/3 from the lights to SB1 and 14/4 from SB1 to SB2. The unused neutral is just wire nutted off.
Then I would alter your diagram to keep white as the neutral everywhere, and use the other colors (black, red, blue) for the switched conductor and travelers.
If you use plastic boxes you don't have to bond the ground to the box.
#3
01-29-16, 09:00 AM
Under 2011 NEC code you must have a neutral in each switch box. Easiest way to do that is bring power in at the switch box. This is an example of what I mean. The new lights would simply be daisy chained from the first light using 2-conductor cable.
Your diagram will work but if you swap which switch the switch loop goes to to you will not need 3-conductor cable between the lights.
Sorry for the quality of the diagram. It was a quick modification of an existing one I had.
Your diagram will work but if you swap which switch the switch loop goes to to you will not need 3-conductor cable between the lights.
Sorry for the quality of the diagram. It was a quick modification of an existing one I had.
Last edited by ray2047; 01-29-16 at 09:33 AM.
#4
01-29-16, 10:49 AM
Thank You for all your help. I have made up a new diagram. Would you be able to take a look at it for me. I just want to make sure I understand it and I would really appreciate it.
Thanks
Thanks
#5
01-29-16, 10:54 AM
Group Moderator
Yes.....that will work but you're back to no neutral at either switch box. The only way to have a neutral at both switch boxes is to bring the power in at one switch and connect the lights to the other switch.
