3 and 4 way traveler colors

[jamesboy123]

I was recently on a job that required a 4 way switch system. The 14/2 NM cable feed would enter at the box that would contain the 4 way switch and the 14/2 NM cable that would go out and hit the first light would also be located in this box.
Obviously there would need to be two 14/3 NM cables leaving that box.
My question is in regrading the travelers and what colors they should be.
Is it completely up to the installer’s preference or is there any code requirements forcing it to be only one way.
Any comments would be great and if it is only preference I certainly would like to see which side the majority falls on.
Thanking everyone in advance.

 

[Jaybone812]

I was recently on a job that required a 4 way switch system. The 14/2 NM cable feed would enter at the box that would contain the 4 way switch and the 14/2 NM cable that would go out and hit the first light would also be located in this box.
Obviously there would need to be two 14/3 NM cables leaving that box.
My question is in regrading the travelers and what colors they should be.
Is it completely up to the installer’s preference or is there any code requirements forcing it to be only one way.
Any comments would be great and if it is only preference I certainly would like to see which side the majority falls on.
Thanking everyone in advance.

You can use any colors you want as long as you comply with 200.7(c) if you choose to use the white as a traveler it needs to be reidentified , if you identify the white for single pole and 3 way or 4 way switch loops the reidentified white or gray conductor can only be used as the feed or to supply the switch it can’t be the switch leg /return conductor from the switch to lightin out let . So you can identify a white to be used as a feed or traveler , but it can’t be the switch leg


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[ptonsparky]

The trick is to be consistent.

 

[electrofelon]

I have always used red and black for travellers.

 

[ptonsparky]

I have always used red and black for travellers.

Black & White for me. (NM cable)

 

[electrofelon]

Since dead end three ways are no longer allowed (if using 3 wire cable), doesn't it now make a lot more sense to use red and black for The travelers?

 

[ptonsparky]

Since dead end three ways are no longer allowed (if using 3 wire cable), doesn't it now make a lot more sense to use red and black for The travelers?

Point taken.

 

[kwired]

Since dead end three ways are no longer allowed (if using 3 wire cable), doesn't it now make a lot more sense to use red and black for The travelers?

This is not prohibited in all situations though.

 

[jamesboy123]

Electrofelon/ what do you mean by dead end switches. Are you saying that the switch leg up to the light must come out of the last 3way switch. I actually like the feed into the first 3way then a 3 wire in between switches and a two wire switch leg out of the second switch up to the light. Makes for a nice flow like that.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Electrofelon/ what do you mean by dead end switches. Are you saying that the switch leg up to the light must come out of the last 3way switch. I actually like the feed into the first 3way then a 3 wire in between switches and a two wire switch leg out of the second switch up to the light. Makes for a nice flow like that.

Dead end 3 way means there is just 3 wires in the box. For instance, 1- 14/3 nm cable

 

[Jaybone812]

Since dead end three ways are no longer allowed (if using 3 wire cable), doesn't it now make a lot more sense to use red and black for The travelers?

There’s no code rule that says dead end 3 ways are illegal . And 200.7(c) acknowledges reidentification of a white or gray conductor part of a cable assembly for dead ended 3 ways


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[Dennis Alwon]

Just remember to tape the white conductor with other than green or white, if it is used as a traveler

 

[Jaybone812]

Just remember to tape the white conductor with other than green or white, if it is used as a traveler

Yup


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[Dennis Alwon]

Also 404.2(C)

(C) Switches Controlling Lighting Load
The grounded circuit conductor for the controlled lighting circuit shall be installed at the location where switches control lighting loads that are supplied by a grounded general-purpose branch circuit serving bathrooms, hallways, stairways, and habitable rooms or occupiable spaces as defined in the applicable building code. Where multiple switch locations control the same lighting load such that the entire floor area of the room or space is visible from the single or combined switch locations, the grounded circuit conductor shall only be required at one location. A grounded conductor shall not be required to be installed at lighting switch locations under any of the following conditions:

• (1)
  Where conductors enter the box enclosing the switch through a raceway, provided that the raceway is large enough for all contained conductors, including a grounded conductor
• (2)
  Where snap switches with integral enclosures comply with 300.15(E)
• (3)
  Where lighting in the area is controlled by automatic means
• (4)
  Where a switch controls a receptacle load

The grounded conductor shall be extended to any switch location as necessary and shall be connected to switching devices that require line-to-neutral voltage to operate the electronics of the switch in the standby mode and shall meet the requirements of 404.22.
Exception:
The connection requirement shall not apply to replacement or retrofit switches installed in locations prior to local adoption of 404.2(C) and where the grounded conductor cannot be extended without removing finish materials. The number of electronic control switches on a branch circuit shall not exceed five, and the number connected to any feeder on the load side of a system or main bonding jumper shall not exceed 25. For the purpose of this exception, a neutral busbar, in compliance with 200.2(B) and to which a main or system bonding jumper is connected shall not be limited as to the number of electronic lighting control switches connected.

 

[Jaybone812]

Also 404.2(C)

Was just making a comment in reference to 404.2(c) you beat me to it lol


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[James L]

Is it completely up to the installer’s preference or is there any code requirements forcing it to be only one way.

Really it should be neither of those.

While technically it's allowable to pick whatever colors you want, and configure the feed and switch leg however you want, here's a pretty good rule of thumb....

do what everybody else is expecting you to do.

I have some absolute horror stories in troubleshooting residential four-way switching systems because somebody thought they were going to reinvent the wheel.

In my area, there's a method, and a priority:
Neutral first, always the shortest route to the light and always on the white wire. Switch leg next, always the shortest route to a switch and always on black if 2-wire, always on red if 3-wire. Feed next, to the remaining switch and on the black wire if there's one there.

The only thing left is travelers, and they will just be whatever they are.

This greatly simplifies troubleshooting, and remove the confusion when using a switch loop to a three-way with a dead end at the other switch. If you switch loop to a 3-way, bringing the hot on the white, and then you tie it to the white on the 3-wire to send it to the other end, It looks like it's a neutral because there are two white wires tied together.

In the scenario of the original post, Red and White travelers all the way.

But If you feed and switch a 4-way, you might want to take a look at your box fill if you're using a single gang box.

 

[electrofelon]

View attachment 2574866
There’s no code rule that says dead end 3 ways are illegal .

Of course there isn't. But in practice for residential you won't be able to do it most of the time. And the reason why doesn't have anything to do with color re-identification.

 

[James L]

Of course there isn't. But in practice for residential you won't be able to do it most of the time.

14/2/2 gets you there

 

[electrofelon]

14/2/2 gets you there

Of course it does. I personally hardly ever use it and don't find it cost-effective. Are people buying and using 14-4 or 14/2/2 just so they can have a dead end 3-way?

 

[Jaybone812]

Of course there isn't. But in practice for residential you won't be able to do it most of the time. And the reason why doesn't have anything to do with color re-identification.

There are plenty of residential applications where 404.2(c) permits a dead end 3 way


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