3W Wiring Of A Switch

[mstrlucky74]

Which is the more common way to wire a 3W? See two different pics. Thanks.

 

[luckylerado]

Dealers Choice but I have always tried to keep it simple for the next guy. I almost always would wire like image 1.

 

[jumper]

As stated both are common. 404.2(C) may be a factor for using number 1.

Note that there is a third common method also, it is called a dead end.

View attachment 17789

 

[K8MHZ]

I have found that in older houses 'feeding the light' is the more common method, and 'feeding the switch' is the more common method for newer homes.

 

[infinity]

Method 1. Method 2 ends up stuffing the ceiling box. Method #1 is more idiot proof. :roll:

 

[growler]

Which is the more common way to wire a 3W? See two different pics. Thanks.

Are you talking about residential or commercial and are you useing cable or conduit?

Method #2 may be easier if you are useing EMT or rigid conduit.


#1 is easier for NM or MC cable.

 

[mstrlucky74]

Are you talking about residential or commercial and are you useing cable or conduit?

Method #2 may be easier if you are useing EMT or rigid conduit.


#1 is easier for NM or MC cable.

Commercial and most projects I bid are MC cable.

 

[mstrlucky74]

Thanks everyone

 

[peter d]

I wire it however it's convenient for me, it could be either of those two methods. I don't take into consideration what the "next guy" might have to deal with because any qualified and skilled electrician will be able to figure out a 3-way setup with ease.

 

[JFletcher]

I agree with infinity and K8MHZ. I always wire the feed at the switch (#1), but I do mostly residential. Older residential often has the feed at the light, and equally often have overfilled boxes

It's easier to add additional lights at the switch, and easier to remove a switch cover at chest level than removing a luminaire or ceiling fan off of a ladder.

 

[mstrlucky74]

Thanks guys

 

[electrofelon]

With the newish aforementioned code section requiring a neutral in the box, the op's #1 is the only code compliant way for resi - unless you use 14-4, but I'm guessing not many do that and instead just avoid dead ends.

 

[goldstar]

With the newish aforementioned code section requiring a neutral in the box, the op's #1 is the only code compliant way for resi - unless you use 14-4, but I'm guessing not many do that and instead just avoid dead ends.

I think this was a Code change somewhere in either the 2008 or 2011 NEC. Neutrals are required at switch locations

 

[jumper]

I think this was a Code change somewhere in either the 2008 or 2011 NEC. Neutrals are required at switch locations

There are exceptions.