Running Neutral w/ 3-Way Runs

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mhulbert

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Chico, CA
I have a situation where I want to add 2 3-way dimmers to an existing system. Existing setup has EMT going from panel, to a 5S box, and up to two 3ways via wiremold, it then continues out of these 3ways to track lights. I want to run EMT from said 5s box and up to another set of 3ways in another area of the room. So, I'll need to pull a hot, ground, and 2 sets of travellers for the switches.

Now, even though I won't utilize it, is it required to pull a neutral along with these conductors and just cap it off in the box? My reasoning is that the code requires a grounded conductor with all hots, but it seems sort of pointless in this case. What about net current, EMF effects, etc? I think I may run it anyways in case they ever want an outlet or anything, but is it a code requirement?

Thank you for your advice!

[ March 31, 2004, 06:32 PM: Message edited by: mhulbert ]
 
Re: Running Neutral w/ 3-Way Runs

We have had long discussions about two wire travellers and there is no sense in starting over here. Code only allows two wire travellers if the cable is NM and the boxes are non metallic also. They are also only concerned with inductive heating not EMF's.

Since you are using raceway and EMT a neutral is required. It should not just be run and not connected either as you believe, the neutral load must be routed through it.

-Hal
 
Re: Running Neutral w/ 3-Way Runs

Hal,
I searched for "2 wire traveller" and read some posts on it. rRspectfully, I don't think that I have that. Since the hot feed will be traveling with these travellers, the currents should cancel out...Hot goes TO the Switch, and then traveller goes back out in the same raceway, thus canceling. If I ran 2 neutrals through this raceway, they would cancel out as well, and their effect nullified.

Maybe I am way off here and I'm sure I will be corrected.
Mike
 
Re: Running Neutral w/ 3-Way Runs

Mike, you are correct that this is nothing more than a switch loop and will be fine.

The code does not require a grounded conductor with all hots.

Roger
 
Re: Running Neutral w/ 3-Way Runs

Sorry, :eek: I missed where you said a hot will be pulled with the travellers. You are correct that no neutral is needed since the hot will serve the same function.

-Hal
 
Re: Running Neutral w/ 3-Way Runs

Now, even though I won't utilize it, is it required to pull a neutral along with these conductors and just cap it off in the box?
Click to expand...
A neutral without the load current on it would not cancel out anything. For a return circuit conductor to cancel out the magnetetic effect the same circuit load has to be on this conductor as is on the feed conductor. it does not matter if it a hot to a switch and a switch leg from the switch or a hot to a load and the neutral from the load but both wires has to have the same load on them or there will be heating.

[ March 31, 2004, 10:31 PM: Message edited by: hurk27 ]
 
Re: Running Neutral w/ 3-Way Runs

Isn`t it...... :D
 
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