Have family room we are remodeling, planning on 2 3 way switchs, 1 4 way switch controlling 6 can lights. Need diagram on how to run 14/3 wire to lights and switches..
Kind of baffled as I think I need to run another single wire to handle the neutral.. Any electrical gurus appreciate your insight and expertise.
2006-09-28 07:55:56 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Assuming that you already know how to wire a 3-way switch circuit, select the switch that receives the incomming power (black, white and bare ground coming from power source). Turn off power source. Cut this wire and connect the black and white to a 2-pole, double throw switch. Connect the other end (black and white) to the remaining terminals of the 2-pole, double throw switch. Splice the bare ground wires together.You will now have a total of three switches controlling your lamp load. Turn on power source.
If you do not know how to wire a 3-way, look for a diagram on the box that the 3-way switch came in. You will need to run a black, white and red plus bare ground (14-3) between the 3-way switches and only a 14-2 between the 3-way switch set and the 2-pole, double throw switch.
2006-09-28 08:31:25 · answer #1 · answered by ROGER H 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have no idea why you think you need a single wire for the neutral. There are many ways to run the cables for 3 and 4 way switches, but the simplest (that always has white as a neutral) is power (14/2 in) to first 3 way. Then 14/3 from first 3 way to 4 way. Then 14/3 from 4 way to other 3 way. Then 14/2 from last 3 way to light. All the whites are tied together to take the neutral to the light. First 14/2 black to common, the 14/3 black and red are travelers. The 14/2 black to the light is common on the other 3 way. A 4 way gets 2 pairs of travelers.
You should consider an electrician since I don't know what else you don't know. A little bit of knowledge can be a dangerous thing. I won't know what else you might mess up.
In general you can bring the two 2 wire cables to any switches, then whites become hot and need to be marked as such, and you probably shouldn't go there.
2006-09-28 11:09:51 · answer #2 · answered by An electrical engineer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
3 Way Lighting Diagram
2016-10-19 09:55:07 · answer #3 · answered by sutliff 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are a couple of options. I did mine using information I got on http://www.the-home-improvement-web.com/information/how-to/three-way-switch.htm. However, I'd recommend you google "three-way switch diagram" and you will get plenty of hits if this website doesn't get you much.
Good luck.
2006-09-28 09:45:42 · answer #4 · answered by kettlechipsdude 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
complex situation. search onto yahoo or google. this may help!
2015-03-24 17:57:55 · answer #5 · answered by ed 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋