2 wire romex for travelers on 3-way switches

Status
Not open for further replies.
L

LRB

Member
Location
Interior Alaska
This was discussed in 2003 but with 2 code revisions since, I would like opions. Situation is:

1. Supply to first switch with 2-wire romex, grounded conductor capped off.

2. 2-wire romex used for travelers to second switch. ( White reidentified)

3. Adjacent switch supplied with 2-wire romex with white grounded conductor passing through box. This switch is on the came circuit as 3-way's

4. 2-wire romex used to bring ungrounded white conductor into box with second 3-way. Black is capped off in both boxes for this short piece of romex

5.Grounded conductor is passed on to light on white of another 2-wire romex. Black of this romex is tied to common of second 3-way.

It works but I don't like it. Is it code compliant? Note: (All romex is 12-2)
 
If the wiring method is non-ferrous (which of course NM is) then 300.3(B)(3) allows it.

It doesn't sound as if he meets the provisions of 300.20(B)
Click to expand...

What part of 300.20(B) do you feel is a hold up?

As far as I can see we do not have enough info to know if 300.20(B) is an issue or not.

If he is using plastic boxes 300.20(B) is out the window.
 
I agree with John, if there are metallic boxes or connectors being used, 300.3(B)(3) to be specific

The real problem is the EMF issues of non canceling currents. There will probably be a lot of noise issues on electronic equipment in close proximity to this wiring not to mention the possible health questions associated with EMF's.

Now, if there are metallic boxes and or connectors being used, there would be the heating effects addressed in 300.20(B)

Roger
 
I am confused by your statement but it sounds to me as a legal installation , however, you will have created unwanted emf"s with this hookup. Since the wiring method is non ferrous you can do it but it is not a good idea in my opinion.
 
First let me say I agree with Roger about the EMF issue and I personally would not do it.

That said..


roger said:
I agree with John, if there are metallic boxes or connectors being used, 300.3(B)(3) to be specific
Click to expand...

I believe we could use metal boxes with the NM as long as we still comply with 300.20(B). As in bring the cables into the metal box through the same hole, or slot the box between the connectors, etc. etc. etc..

But why?

Just run some 3 wire and do it right. :smile:
 
iwire said:
That said..




I believe we could use metal boxes with the NM as long as we still comply with 300.20(B). As in bring the cables into the metal box through the same hole, or slot the box between the connectors, etc. etc. etc..

But why?
Click to expand...

After re-reading the OP I agree, of course we could also cut slots in the boxes and use nylon screws in the RX connectors. :smile:

iwire said:
Just run some 3 wire and do it right. :smile:
Click to expand...

I think this is the best idea.


Roger
 
roger said:
After re-reading the OP I agree, of course we could also cut slots in the boxes and use nylon screws in the RX connectors. :smile:
Click to expand...

Kind of my thought as well. It could be accomplished but you would end up turning a simple NM job into rocket science. :grin:
 
iwire said:
Just run some 3 wire and do it right. :smile:
Click to expand...



My Thoughts Exactly!:grin:
applause.gif
 
But why?

Just run some 3 wire and do it right
Click to expand...

It's 4PM, Friday, and it's your wedding anniversary. You are out of 3 wire, the job is 10 minutes from complete, supply house is 1 hour drive, drywaller is coming in Saturday (which is your wife AND kid's birthdays and you are scheduled for a vasectomy Monday.
 
220/221 said:
It's 4PM, Friday, and it's your wedding anniversary. You are out of 3 wire, the job is 10 minutes from complete, supply house is 1 hour drive, drywaller is coming in Saturday (which is your wife AND kid's birthdays and you are scheduled for a vasectomy Monday.
Click to expand...


Well in that case I guess the 2-wire would get installed. ;)
 
220/221 said:
It's 4PM, Friday, and it's your wedding anniversary. You are out of 3 wire, the job is 10 minutes from complete, supply house is 1 hour drive, drywaller is coming in Saturday (which is your wife AND kid's birthdays and you are scheduled for a vasectomy Monday.
Click to expand...

I have seen your trucks, I bet you would be upset if the guy let the supply of 3 wire run dry. :cool:

Not saying I would not do it under the above conditions, just would try not to make it my 'go to' move.
 
2wire romex for traverlers on 3-way switches

2wire romex for traverlers on 3-way switches

LRB said:
This was discussed in 2003 but with 2 code revisions since, I would like opions. Situation is:

1. Supply to first switch with 2-wire romex, grounded conductor capped off.

2. 2-wire romex used for travelers to second switch. ( White reidentified)

3. Adjacent switch supplied with 2-wire romex with white grounded conductor passing through box. This switch is on the came circuit as 3-way's

4. 2-wire romex used to bring ungrounded white conductor into box with second 3-way. Black is capped off in both boxes for this short piece of romex

5.Grounded conductor is passed on to light on white of another 2-wire romex. Black of this romex is tied to common of second 3-way.

It works but I don't like it. Is it code compliant? Note: (All romex is 12-2)
Click to expand...
Almost sounds like a trick question to me. Give me a good reason for doing it. I suggest doing it right was.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top