Replies

1. 
   DanH | Oct 20, 2004 08:18pm | #1

   Can't view your Xcell attachment on Unix, but if you're getting lights at half power then you've gone beyond the ordinary in screwing things up. How many light fixtures are involved? If more than one, do you have them wired in series? (Do they both go out if you remove the bulb in one?)

   I think you're in over your head.

1. 
   OsNascar | Oct 20, 2004 09:18pm | #5

   Dan,

   There are two lights between the two switches.  I want to wire them in series but I'm not sure if I use 14/2 or 14/3 to connect each light?  If 14/2 is the right wire to use, then I'm not sure what you do with the red that goes to each light??

1. 
   DanH | Oct 20, 2004 09:56pm | #6

   No, you don't want to wire them in series.If you're trying to run the wires switch-light-light-switch then you actually need 4 wires running between the lights.Look at the very bottom diagram on the above-referenced web site. If you imagine the two wires that are connected to the lights being twisted around horizontally, you can slide the top "power source" connection down to one end of the string of lights, and slide the connection from the right-hand switch down to the other end, leaving two wires connected between the lights and two "travelers" runnng beteen the switches.But code requires you to put all four wires in one jacket (ie, 12-4 or 14-4) or run a 3-wire cable between the switches, as shown in the diagram, with all the connections between the 3-wire cable and the 2-wire cable occuring at one point.

   Edited 10/20/2004 3:06 pm ET by DanH

1. 
   PaulBinCT | Oct 20, 2004 10:17pm | #7

   Mike...

   Just a suggestion.

   I think you really need to buy a good book on basic household wiring and start from scratch. 3 way switches aren't inherently all that tough once you have the basics, and some drawings to refer to as you go...

   If you've been battling this for a week, you either need to try another tack or bring in some hired help.  There's a thread with suggestions on good basic wiring books with good illustrations, buy one so you can have it in front of you as you work.

1. 
   toolbear | Oct 21, 2004 12:19am | #11

   Mike,Black and Decker's "Complete Guide to Home Wiring" (at Home Depots) is an excellent manual and has several versions of 3 way switch runs laid out in four variations in very clear pictorial diagrams.

2. 
   Stuart | Oct 20, 2004 08:22pm | #2

   There are a number of diagrams available online, just do a google search on "3 way switch diagram."

   Here's a link to one: http://www.handymanwire.com/articles/3wayswitch.html

3. 
   BillHartmann | Oct 20, 2004 08:37pm | #3

   Mike

   Assuming that you have access to every thing then starting at the left switch box, where the power come in run a 3 wire cable to the 2nd switch box.

   Then a 2 wire cable from the left switch box to the first light and then another from the first light to 2nd.

   That is the simplest, straight forward way to do that. And you will see that setup (without the 2nd light) in many of the diagrams that have been posted.

   And reply in to this thread instead of starting a new one.

   We need specific answers.

   In a previous thread you where talking another 3 wire cable and a receptacle. What happened to that?

4. 
   stanleyj2 | Oct 20, 2004 08:47pm | #4

   Mike:

   I am not an electrician, but I am currently running a couple of 3-way switches for a new light fixture.  If you are using a 3-wire cable, then the black wire should be on the common terminal.  The white wire (to be taped or painted black) should be on the lug above the common terminal.  The red wire should be on the opposite side of the switch.

   Stan

5. 
   hammer | Oct 20, 2004 10:21pm | #8

   Mike,

   I'm not sure if you have your answer. I edited your diagram to show how to connect the 3-way. Somewhat crude but it should be readable. The two black wires, shown between the two switches, can go to either post, so no real concern.

   If all else fails, purchase a 3-way switch in a Box (not bulk) they all have a wiring diagram on the box.

   You will need 14-3, as the diagram shows and assuming this is on a 15 amp line.

   Good luck

    

1. 
   OsNascar | Oct 20, 2004 10:45pm | #9

   thanks!  one question though . . on the switch where the power is going to, i'm not sure what you mean with the red wires.  does a red get connected to the first switch?

1. 
   hammer | Oct 20, 2004 11:10pm | #10

   No a red wire does not connect to the first (left side) switch. The red wire is the return hot wire from the right switch that then goes to the lamps. I drew it in this form to show the need for a 3 conductor 14-3 line.

   As others have commented be sure to connect the lamps in PARALLEL, as show, not in series.