Electrician MIA

[Kev]

Hi
 Obviously I am looking for some help. I built a garage this spring and had an electrician(side job) do the wiring for me, he only did part of the job and said to call him when I was done drywall but I am unable to contact him now. I figured out most of the wiring myself but I am stumped with a 3 way switch problem. There are 4 incan lights, 2 switches, and 3 wires(red,black,white). He connected a single switch to use the for temporary use which I am  replacing with a 3 way. Any help on which wires to connect would be great help. A diagram would be huge. If it was just the one fixture I could likely figure it out, but I am doing something wrong. Any help appreciated. Thanks

[JP]

Hi Kev,

I just got back from vacation about an hour ago, I'll answer your question either later tonight but it might not be until tommarrow.

Just wanted to let you know that I'll work on your problem with you.

Thanks
JP

[JP]

Let me get a handle on exactly how it is wired, how many cables are in each switch box? Each box will be different, you should have a feed that goes back to your electrical panel or J Box, a cable that goes to your lights, and a 3 wire that goes in between the two switch boxes. Is that how it is wired?

[Kev]

Hi!
 Sorry I have been away awhile. There is a 2 wire coming from the electrical panel to the first switch and 3 wire for each of 4 lights and back to the other switch.

[JP]

I'm sorry to have to be the one to tell you this, but it will not work wired that way. If it is possible try to get a 3 wire in between the two three way switches. With the 3 wire running through all the lights first you do not have enough conductors to wire the circuit properly.

[JP]

Now wait a second, maybe I read your reply wrong. Do you have a two wire at the first switch and four 3 wires at the second switch? Because as I read it again that is how it sounds.

[Kev]

I believe that you are reading it right the second time. 2 wires to the first switch from electrical panel and 3 wires to each light(four lights) and 3 wires from last light to second switch. I drew a sketch but i am unsure how to attach to the post or if it is even possible.

[JP]

Ok I’m still not sure we are in tune, let’s make sure we are on the same page with wires and conductors. The Wire or Cable and the number of conductors, a two wire is a cable with 2 conductors and a ground and a 3 wire has 3 conductors and a ground. I know that seems basic but I want to make sure we are both talking about the same thing.

In order to make your 3 way switch work you need to have 3 conductors that travel in between the two switches. A minimum of two conductors to the lights, and a two conductor to the panel. If your 3 wire travels through the lights before it gets to the second switch and there is not another cable to the lights, it will not work.

You can also check out
http://www.wireityourself.com/three_way_switch.html

If you would like we could arrange for you to email me the diagram, or you can post it here just hit the insert image button while making your reply.