Combination Devices

[jeff48356]

I 've seen triple-stack switches where all three are single pole, but does Leviton make any where one of them is 3-way and the other two are single-pole? I know it would probably have to be the rocker-style which use the GFI-type wallplate.

 

[peter d]

I'm not sure about Leviton, but I know P&S makes combo devices in all kinds of configurations.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

What about despard switches. You build what you want on the yoke. P&S makes them

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Here is what one unit looks like. You buy the triple yoke and snap in the switches.

Here are some plates

 

[480sparky]

Here is what one unit looks like. You buy the triple yoke and snap in the switches.

Here are some plates

P&S calls them Despard devices.

 

[peter d]

What about despard switches. You build what you want on the yoke. P&S makes them

P&S calls them Despard devices.

I think they're called Despard devices, but I'm not sure.

 

[wireguru]

to answer the OP's question, no leviton doesnt make that. They make a triple single pole, a double 3way/single, and a double 3way, but no triple with a 3way in it.

if you HAD to have it, you could use a triple single pole and use one of the singles to control a SPDT relay/contactor which would act as your 3way switch

 

[iaov]

It would be a lot simpler to get the double 3 way and wire one as a single pole!!:smile:

 

[Dennis Alwon]

It would be a lot simpler to get the double 3 way and wire one as a single pole!!:smile:

Yes, except the OP needs three switches in a one gang box. :smile:

 

[iaov]

I thought someone listed a switch with 2 threways and a single.:smile:

 

[infinity]

These things are so ugly that I wouldn't want to see one in my house.

 

[iwire]

These things are so ugly that I wouldn't want to see one in my house.

I agree ugly and they just look so 1950s / 60s.

I am actually surprised they still make them.

 

[infinity]

I agree ugly and they just look so 1950s / 60s.

I am actually surprised they still make them.

And how do you get 2 three-ways and a single pole or 3 three-ways in a single gang box with one of those devices? Seems like box fill will be a problem.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

And how do you get 2 three-ways and a single pole or 3 three-ways in a single gang box with one of those devices? Seems like box fill will be a problem.

No question they are ugly but I don't know the op's situation.

I thought about box fill but it is possible that there would be one feed, 2 travelers and 2 switch legs. Very doable.

 

[infinity]

I thought about box fill but it is possible that there would be one feed, 2 travelers and 2 switch legs. Very doable.

I guess that it would depend on the wiring method. Even in you scenario if he's using cable you would likely end up with 3 neutrals in the box, possibly EGC's and not to mention he's also looking to add a single pole switch.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I guess that it would depend on the wiring method. Even in you scenario if he's using cable you would likely end up with 3 neutrals in the box, possibly EGC's and not to mention he's also looking to add a single pole switch.

Feed can be in the ceiling as often is the case (add : in older homes). No neutrals. EGC, feed, travelers and 2 switch legs.

I am assuming there is no way to add another switch to make a 2 gang. Since he obviously needs to get more wires in the box I would stack the switches in 3 single gangs if I could not get a 3 gang in the wall.

Seems our OP left us from the get go.

 

[ultramegabob]

I agree ugly and they just look so 1950s / 60s.

I am actually surprised they still make them.

I have done some work in a bowling alley that has large stainless panels set into the countertop that are punched with a whole bunch of those type of switches, I think it was built in the early 60s.

 

[ohm]

And how do you get 2 three-ways and a single pole or 3 three-ways in a single gang box with one of those devices? Seems like box fill will be a problem.

That question has been in the back of my mind also. It may be the reason the configuration is not legal in a 1G box.

Box fill only counts the yoke, regardless of what's on it, which IMO is a big mistake. In their minds a GFCI recp. (or tripple stack of 3P switches) takes up the same space as a resi SP switch.

 

[active1]

And how do you get 2 three-ways and a single pole or 3 three-ways in a single gang box with one of those devices? Seems like box fill will be a problem.

If you think that's fun you should do the 2 gang versions. Called the double 3 desbard. Back in the 50's or 60's maybe they thought it was a good idea. No need for a 6 gang box when you can fit 6 switches in a 4x4x1.5 box with pipes comming in the sides. I don't know if box fill calcs changed over the years. All I know is when they did this the conductors would only reach outsid the box a 1/2 inch because they had to save space.

http://www.kyledesigns.com/category/11_home_decor.1_switchplates.width_despards/

Those switches are expensive and can be difficult to get. Such as (2) 3 ways, (1) SP, yoke, & trim would cost $55.00 to mail order at the place above, plus shipping. Basicly I think everything is all left over stock. It could be dirt cheap because the store wants to get rid of it, the price could be stuck the same as 25 years ago at an old hardware store, or it could be gold to the person sitting on them waiting for someone that needs one.

Another problem with these are the switches snap in a different direction than a standard toggle. Meaning sometimes a homeowner swapes one out and the switch is sideways.

 

[480sparky]

...... I don't know if box fill calcs changed over the years........

From the 1959: