Add outlet to existing 3 Way Switches
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2016
Location: USA
Posts: 4
Received 0 Votes
on
0 Posts
Add outlet to existing 3 Way Switches
I have added an outlet to an existing 3 way light switch in the basement.
Currently is does not seem to be getting power(nothing I plug in works nor does it work when turning on light switch), and I would like it on always.
Currently have Black connecting from outlet same side as red 3 way wire. and white mounted on outlet then pass through at light switch box. Like diagram below.
http://waterheatertimer.org/images/A...switches-6.jpg
Power source goes through light in laundry room(not light the switches control) then to first switch which the outlet is connected to.
Any ideas?
Thank you
Currently is does not seem to be getting power(nothing I plug in works nor does it work when turning on light switch), and I would like it on always.
Currently have Black connecting from outlet same side as red 3 way wire. and white mounted on outlet then pass through at light switch box. Like diagram below.
http://waterheatertimer.org/images/A...switches-6.jpg
Power source goes through light in laundry room(not light the switches control) then to first switch which the outlet is connected to.
Any ideas?
Thank you
#4
The receptacle should be connected to the 2-conductor cable. Is it?
Here is a diagram of just the receptacle connections.

That sounds wrong. That sounds like one of the two traveler terminals of the switch. The black of the 2-conductor cable is pigtailed to the receptacle and the common terminal of the switch. Common terminal is the odd colored screw, usually dark gray.
Here is a diagram of just the receptacle connections.

Black connecting from outlet same side as red 3 way wire.
Last edited by ray2047; 05-18-16 at 04:09 PM.
#5
Power source goes through light in laundry room(not light the switches control) then to first switch which the outlet is connected to.
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2016
Location: USA
Posts: 4
Received 0 Votes
on
0 Posts
I have to check the 2 wire coming from the outlet and which screw it's connected to, but it looks similar to this now. See URL
http://waterheatertimer.org/images/A...switches-6.jpg
The power source come from Breaker Box (2 wire) going to 3 way switch
http://waterheatertimer.org/images/A...switches-6.jpg
The power source come from Breaker Box (2 wire) going to 3 way switch
#8
You wrote:
Did you disconnect the 2-conductor cable and using a multimeter (a non contact tester won't work) determine it had 120 volts black to white regardless of the laundry switch? If so it can be used.
(Pete and I are reading what you wrote differently therefore different opinions.)
2 wire coming from power source
(Pete and I are reading what you wrote differently therefore different opinions.)