Adding a Wire for Two 3Way Switches to Work
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3 Way Switch Wiring – My brother was trying to install a 3way switch for under cabinet lighting, he forgot to run a wire from one of the light locations to one of the switches. |
Wiring to a 3Way Switch
Electrical Question: My brother was trying to install a 3way switch for under cabinet lighting, he forgot to run a wire from one of the light locations to one of the switches.
Run More Wiring for 3Way Switches to Work
Mark asks:
My brother was trying to install a 3way switch for under cabinet lighting.
Long story short, I determined that he forgot to run a wire from one of the light locations to one of the switches.
As you can see in the included pic, he has a 14 3 wire between the switches, and then a 14 2 wire between the light locations.and the main power runs to the 1st light location.
Where can he add a wire and to what switch but still allow both light locations to power lighting.
This electrical wiring question came from Mark in Toronto, Canada.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Mark.
Fix the Wiring for 3Way Switches
Application: Run More Wiring for a 3Way Switch.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, or Certified Electrician.
Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the 3Way Switch, turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials: Electrical parts and materials for the 3Way Switch should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections: Installing or changing home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes as adopted in your specific area of Canada. A permit and inspections may also be required.
Wiring 3Way Switches in a Kitchen
This electrical wiring project is about Running More Wiring to a 3Way Switch in the Kitchen of a Old Home.
3Way Switch Run More Wiring
- Mark, from the information you have provided,, a 14-2 wire can be run from the light box that has power to either switch, then just make the connections to the switches and up at the light fixture correctly and everything will work fine.
- I should add, that if you want to be totally (NEC)code compliant, the 14-2 should be a 14-3. because the (USA)code now requires a neutral wire to be in one of the switch boxes, even if it is not being connected. The neutral wire will then be available for smart switches, timer switches, etc..
More about Run More Wiring a 3Way Switch
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Wiring Diagrams
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The following Video will help you understand 3-Way Switches:
3-Way Switch Video
Dave Rongey of Ask-The-Electrician.com shows the basics of wiring 3 Way Switches presented by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
The Following Detailed Wiring Diagrams will Help You Wire 3-Way Switches:
3 Way Switch Diagram
3 Way Switch Diagram
The key to three way switch wiring depends on two main factors. These wiring diagrams help you identify the power feed and the switch leg leading to the light fixture.
Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.
How to Install Kitchen Electrical Wiring
Kitchen Electrical Wiring
Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Kitchen Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.
Planning and Installing Home Lighting
Home lighting articles covering recessed lighting, under cabinet lighting, lighting terminology and more.
Home Electrical Wiring Projects
Home Wiring Projects
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