14-4 cable vs. 14-2-2

[jeff48356]

Consider a 3-way switch circuit with wiring beyond the second switch. Here's the scenario: Power feeds a 3-gang switch box where one of the switches is a 3-way with the second switch and the load cable (to the light) at the other end of the room. The second switch is contained in a 2-gang box where the other switch controls an outdoor light (single pole). Which would be the best option to run from the 3-gang to the 2-gang?:

A) Use 14-4 cable (black, white, red, blue, ground), using red/blue travelers and black/white constant hot/neutral
B) Use 14-2-2 cable (black, white, red, white with red stripe, ground)
C) Use two runs of 14-2 with one constant hot/neutral, and other for travelers

If B or C, would I need to use a blue Sharpie to re-identify the white traveler?

 

[Garygood]

Consider a 3-way switch circuit with wiring beyond the second switch. Here's the scenario: Power feeds a 3-gang switch box where one of the switches is a 3-way with the second switch and the load cable (to the light) at the other end of the room. The second switch is contained in a 2-gang box where the other switch controls an outdoor light (single pole). Which would be the best option to run from the 3-gang to the 2-gang?:

A) Use 14-4 cable (black, white, red, blue, ground), using red/blue travelers and black/white constant hot/neutral
B) Use 14-2-2 cable (black, white, red, white with red stripe, ground)
C) Use two runs of 14-2 with one constant hot/neutral, and other for travelers

If B or C, would I need to use a blue Sharpie to re-identify the white traveler?

I red tape the red white 14-2-2 is great for re-wiring nob&tube


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[480sparky]

14-4.

Using 14-2-2 or a pair of 14-2s would require remarking one of the intended neutral conductors.

 

[kwired]

Consider a 3-way switch circuit with wiring beyond the second switch. Here's the scenario: Power feeds a 3-gang switch box where one of the switches is a 3-way with the second switch and the load cable (to the light) at the other end of the room. The second switch is contained in a 2-gang box where the other switch controls an outdoor light (single pole). Which would be the best option to run from the 3-gang to the 2-gang?:

A) Use 14-4 cable (black, white, red, blue, ground), using red/blue travelers and black/white constant hot/neutral
B) Use 14-2-2 cable (black, white, red, white with red stripe, ground)
C) Use two runs of 14-2 with one constant hot/neutral, and other for travelers

If B or C, would I need to use a blue Sharpie to re-identify the white traveler?

Any of the three methods mentioned is acceptable.

14-4.

Using 14-2-2 or a pair of 14-2s would require remarking one of the intended neutral conductors.

Blue is an option but not a requirement and can be identified with marker, paint, tape or about any other imaginable means.

 

[480sparky]

Any of the three methods mentioned is acceptable.

Blue is an option but not a requirement and can be identified with marker, paint, tape or about any other imaginable means.

Yes, any method is acceptable. But the question is which one is 'best'. Having to re-identify takes time, and time is money.

 

[Little Bill]

Yes, any method is acceptable. But the question is which one is 'best'. Having to re-identify takes time, and time is money.

Let's see.......30 seconds with a Sharpie and $1 for the sharpie
Vs spending twice the price of 14-2-2 for a roll of 14-4 which the supply house most likely doesn't even carry.

 

[480sparky]

Let's see.......30 seconds with a Sharpie and $1 for the sharpie
Vs spending twice the price of 14-2-2 for a roll of 14-4 which the supply house most likely doesn't even carry.

If it's an option, it must be assumed it's available and on-site. Otherwise, the question is moot.

 

[Garygood]

If it's an option, it must be assumed it's available and on-site. Otherwise, the question is moot.

I like the time save pulling one cable
And bring lines to arcfault breakers
Just a little quicker and 1 equipment ground
But I do a lot of old work on old houses like the last time the wiring was done was to replace gas


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[kwired]

If all you did was "rope houses" day in and day out, you might find 14-2-2 worthwhile to use.

I have never found it that practical for me to have it on hand. Re-identifying the white used for ungrounded - I usually have black tape in my tool pouch, only takes a few seconds to mark it. Some think they must completely cover the white - couple wraps of tape or a stripe or two of paint/ink is sufficient though.

 

[robertd]

>C) Use two runs of 14-2 with one constant hot/neutral, and other for travelers

If the cable to the light from the 3 way is at the other end and if it's a metal box the neutral
for the 3 way is not going out the same hole as the hot. And you would have the same issue
at the other box.