Replies

1. 
   d_j_k | Feb 28, 2002 03:57am | #1

   *
   yes , no , the other white wires

   that is assuming you got the two conductor wire
   feeding ac to the box , and a two conductor wire for each
   switch leaving the box?

1. 
   xJohn_Sprung | Feb 28, 2002 04:02am | #2

   *How about getting your electrician friend to watch and talk you through it? The white wires (neutral) should never be connected to a switch. Or, get a book about wiring.-- J.S.

1. 
   IBEW_Barry | Feb 28, 2002 04:20am | #3

   *Ambrose,You don't need a neutral in your switch box ,it only goes to the device you're switching.If you chose to feed at the switchbox just isolate the neutral with electrical tape.The hot wire should be pigtailed with two leads for each switch.Then you need a switched leg from the bottom of each switch up to the devices being controlled.So,do you have enough conductors between the lights(?) and switchbox? You are allowed to use a white wire for a hot wire if you put colored tape on it,but a switched leg up to a device cannot be white.Reason: a future homeowner relacing a fixture and finding two white wires cannot tell which conductor is the neutral and has to go to the screwshell.If you need more clarification,just ask AJ.

1. 
   Gunner_1750 | Feb 28, 2002 04:49am | #4

   *What Barry said only just the basics. Tie all the neutrals together. Tie the feeders together,and leave two pigtails sticking out. Take the black wire from each light fixture that you fed to the box hook it to it's respective switch. Hook the pigtail leads up to their respective switches. that should do it. Ohh yea tie all your grounds together and hook a pigtail from those onto each switch too. Ta Da!That's a basic switch.Now go make AJ proud.

1. 
   Randy_Rogers | Feb 28, 2002 04:50am | #5

   *Ambrose: Is a real basic question you are asking. Suggest you start out with one of the many paperbacksavailable that will cover all most folks need to know, diagrams included - perhaps "Wiring Simplified" - is based on National Electrical Code but not near as complicated.What you are dealing with can "bite your butt" or others in deadly manner. You didn't mention the grounding conductor - any plans for those most important wires? Some serious thoughts. Randy

2. 
   CaseyR_ | Feb 28, 2002 05:29am | #6

   *The various diagrams for 3 and 4 way switches on Dan's Wiring page are pretty good:http://www.danswiringpage.comIf you want some alternative explanations try:http://www.misterfixit.com/3wayswch.htmhttp://www.handymanwire.com/articles/3wayswitch.htmlhttp://www.howstuffworks.com/three-way2.htmhttp://www.act-solutions.com/kingery07.htmhttp://www.homedoctor.net/tipsfaq/2.3.html

3. 
   Martagon_ | Feb 28, 2002 06:14am | #7

   *Biting your tongue, are you, A.J.?? Better send a message before Ambrose tries wiring the switch himself, and messes up. That would be your Darwin at work.

2. 
   Ambrose_ | Feb 28, 2002 06:14am | #8

   *
   Have a problem here maybe someone can help? I put in a new box and in it i have my feed and 2 switches. How do i wire the switches? do I pigtail the black wire from the feed to both switches. Does each switch get its own white wire...and if so what do i connect the white wire from the feed?

   I usually get an electrician friend to do my work, but i wanted to try this myself....thanks