Wire Size when Wiring 3Way Switches
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There are three switches in a 3 gang box, do I need the 12/3 wire: Electrical Question about Wiring 3-Way Switches. © By: Dave Rongey |
Wiring 3-Way Switches
Electrical Question:
- Question on wiring, there are three switches in a 3 gang box. The switches control a ceiling fan (bathroom), a shower light and the last switch a main bathroom light.
- The black wires are connected to the switches, the white are all connected, the ground are all connected. There is a black wire that connects to the top screw pig tailed to each switch.
- Then from this box a 12/3 wire goes to a GFI outlet that has black and red connected to one GFI screw and a white to another screw.
- In the three gang box the original switch the red and black (pigtail) are connected together. Is this a correct way?
- As I am relocating the GFI and main 3 gang box to a four gang box.
- The four gang box will have the three switches and a GFI outlet. Do I still need the 12/3 wire as I note how it is now connected?
This electrical wiring question came from Sal, a Handyman, in Stony Point, New York.
Dave’s Answer:
Hi Sal, Great Question!
- Yes, the 12/3 wire that goes to the GFCI outlet should be wired the same way inside the new 4 gang box.
- All of the wiring remains the same, only the wiring will be contained inside one 4 gang box, therefore make sure to carefully mark the wires to ensure the same connections as originally found, and make sure the size of the new 4 gang box will have the space for all the wires.
More about Electrical Wiring Three Way Switches
Electrical Switches: 3way switch review
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