3 way switch to detached garage

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Stevenfyeager

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Location
United States, Indiana
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electrical contractor
A customer wants a 3 way switch in the house and one in the detached garage for outdoor coach lights on the garage. Any problem with that? I will power it from either source, there is a panel in the garage. Thank you.
 
There are a variety of wireless multiway switches, including some that include dimming from any switch. One part will replace an existing switch. The other parts may be either battery or line powered depending on where you can locate them. But for the most part they do not look like "normal" switches and that may be an issue for the HO.
 
I also say go wireless. Also you need to group the switch as a disconnect either at the service or the garage depending where you got the feed from on the wired 3 way switches. No need for that with the wireless.

Lutron has a great Pico wireless system with either a handheld remote which can be mounted on the wall and a decora switch plate install over it and it look like it is cut in. You would need to order a separate mounting plate
 
Dennis Alwon said:
I also say go wireless. Also you need to group the switch as a disconnect either at the service or the garage depending where you got the feed from on the wired 3 way switches. No need for that with the wireless.

Lutron has a great Pico wireless system with either a handheld remote which can be mounted on the wall and a decora switch plate install over it and it look like it is cut in. You would need to order a separate mounting plate
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Yep, +1

I've installed 3 or 4 of these in the last 6 months. You need either a Caseta master or just what they call an RF switch. Then you need the Pico remote. Have to watch what you choose on the PICO because some are dimmers and some are just on/off. Then if you want to mount the Pico on the wall you need a Pico wall bracket. Then a Claro plate for a switch plate.
 
Little Bill said:
Yep, +1

I've installed 3 or 4 of these in the last 6 months. You need either a Caseta master or just what they call an RF switch. Then you need the Pico remote. Have to watch what you choose on the PICO because some are dimmers and some are just on/off. Then if you want to mount the Pico on the wall you need a Pico wall bracket. Then a Claro plate for a switch plate.
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Bill I have never used a claro plate for the remote. A standard decora plate works just fine
 
Dennis Alwon said:
Bill I have never used a claro plate for the remote. A standard decora plate works just fine
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I didn't mean to suggest that only the Claro plate would work.:happyno:

I usually just order them together, the customers like the "no screw" look!
Amazon usually has them for less than I can buy them locally, they sell them as an "add on". "Add Ons" are only sold with another purchase because of the low price.
 
3 way garage switch

3 way garage switch

Thank you, I was not aware of the wireless. Next time I will definitely use your advice. However, I already have an underground 12-3 between the two buildings connecting a switch box in each with options of powering it from either. To keep from adding to cost, I would rather just use two normal 3 way switches. But how would I comply with the code for a disconnect for the garage with this loop? If I power it from the garage panel, would that satisfy it? Thank you.
 
Stevenfyeager said:
Thank you, I was not aware of the wireless. Next time I will definitely use your advice. However, I already have an underground 12-3 between the two buildings connecting a switch box in each with options of powering it from either. To keep from adding to cost, I would rather just use two normal 3 way switches. But how would I comply with the code for a disconnect for the garage with this loop? If I power it from the garage panel, would that satisfy it? Thank you.
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I believe 225.30(D) allows the switch loop. No additional disconnect required.

(D) Different Characteristics. Additional feeders or
branch circuits shall be permitted for different voltages,
frequencies, or phases or for different uses, such as control
of outside lighting from multiple locations.
 
Stevenfyeager said:
But how would I comply with the code for a disconnect for the garage with this loop? If I power it from the garage panel, would that satisfy it? Thank you.
Click to expand...
In addition to 225.30(D), that Jumper notes, take a look at the exceptions to 225.36 and 225.38.
 
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