Help! Homeowner wired a 3 way using 12-2 !

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Stevenfyeager

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Location
United States, Indiana
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electrical contractor
A homeowner( flip house) wired a 3 way using 12-2 to one switch and used the ground! Is there anything I can do for him besides rewiring ? ( which is impossible at this finished stage). He actually had a three way on that wire using the ground wire as a conductor. Thank you
 
Stevenfyeager said:
A homeowner( flip house) wired a 3 way using 12-2 to one switch and used the ground! Is there anything I can do for him besides rewiring ? ( which is impossible at this finished stage). He actually had a three way on that wire using the ground wire as a conductor. Thank you
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Lutron Caseta or Maestro with a pico remote.
 
If you cannot get an additional cable or individual conductor into the switch's back box then your only other option is to go wireless. There are many products on the market but all will require a relay module, either integral to the switch or in a separate power pack, and a wireless transmitter/receiver. You should be able to find a decent option for around $100, just do an internet search for wireless switch.
 
Lutron PD-5S-DV-WH - 5 Amp Max. - 2 Button RF Switch


Same as a Caseta only cheaper. It has to be used with a Lutron PICO remote. Just the two button on/off PICO remote and not the three button with dimmer.

Just replace the existing switch with the Lutron RF switch and place the PICO wherever you want it.
 
Stevenfyeager said:
A homeowner( flip house) wired a 3 way using 12-2 to one switch and used the ground! Is there anything I can do for him besides rewiring ? ( which is impossible at this finished stage). He actually had a three way on that wire using the ground wire as a conductor. Thank you
Click to expand...
Did they slip a length of black insulation over it? I thought I had found a cable with two black conductors and one white for a brief moment. :dunce: Owner could do no wrong, so it’s probably still that way.

I’ve used the Pico in the past.
 
You can use a Maestro CL dimmer with a standard switch for 3-way applications. Only 2 wires are required between the dimmer and the switch. A single pole switch will work but if using a toggle style switch its better to use a 3-way switch since it doesn't have on/off markings.
 
Stevenfyeager said:
A homeowner( flip house) wired a 3 way using 12-2 to one switch and used the ground! Is there anything I can do for him besides rewiring ? ( which is impossible at this finished stage). He actually had a three way on that wire using the ground wire as a conductor. Thank you
Click to expand...

Can you do the obvious and just eliminate one of the switches?
 
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