Electrical ? – Multiple switch legs
I have a 3 gang switch box with the feed to 2 separate dimmers and then cable to two sets up lights.
I also have a 4 pole switch and from this point it feeds a string of lights.
It is a big box and full.
I need to relocate the box and want to use a junction box and just run the wires needed fo the switches.
A 14-3 cable for power and two switched for the two sets of lights. And two 14-2’s for the 4 way switch.
Basicialy this is just the same as a single switch leg, but multiple times over.
It seems to me that there is some very obscure point in the NEC that prohibitis this. But I am not sure.
Replies
dont know where you are, but here in ontario, i wired 3 4way switches in between two three way by running all wires to the basement into a big octagon box
inspector was really impressed and passed it
problem was a huge kitchen with 5 door ways
caulking is not a piece of trim
I think the rule is that all the wires for a given circuit must run in the same cable. You need to find some 14-4 for the 4-way, or run conduit.
However, if this is never going to be inspected, there's little harm in running two 14-2s -- it's more of an electrician safety thing than anything having to do with fire safety, etc. You do, however, need to be sure that the two cables run immediately next to each other, to minimize electrical noise production. It would be wise to tape them together several places along the way and as they enter the boxes to make sure they aren't easily separated.
"I think the rule is that all the wires for a given circuit must run in the same cable."
Yes, but doesn't all switch legs violate that?
This will not be inspected and I will probably go ahead and do it that way. And leave a schematic in the j-box.
Just trying to figure out much I am fudging it.
Actually all switch legs run properly will have a complete balance between load and return currents, or out and in, within each cable. The only exceptions are in legs that are unpowered, as in one of the two travelers, and grounds, which should have no current on them at all until it handles a fault. But you knew this.
"Actually all switch legs run properly will have a complete balance between load and return currents, or out and in, within each cable. The only exceptions are in legs that are unpowered, as in one of the two travelers,"
But then, it is still the cable that is balanced.
Thanks, I *knew* that there was something wrong with what I wanted to do, but could not put my finger on it.