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View Full Version : Adding new switch to box with a 3-way and single pole switch?


gdub1973
Jun 20, 2011, 08:07 AM
I am adding a shower light to our bathroom, which currently has a 2 gang box with a 3-way switch for the fan, and a single-pole switch for the main (wall) lights. Can someone provide instructions and/or a diagram on how to wire the switches in the box? There are currently 4 wires running into the box (main power in, lead from other 3-way switch, power to fan and power to lights), and I will be adding a 5th (power to shower light).

I will (obviously) be switching out the 2-gang box with a 3-gang box to add the 3rd switch.

Thanks in advance for your assistance and advice.

Cheers,

Greg

ballengerb1
Jun 20, 2011, 08:12 AM
Are you thinking that you will have 3 switches in the 2 gang box? It can be done but a special fan/light switch needs to be installed. Switches by Type · BathroomFanExperts.com (http://www.bathroomfanexperts.com/category.php/switches-by-type/?category=1685) We need to know where that 5th wire is going to attach to whay switch. When you come back please tell us the wire colors.

gdub1973
Jun 20, 2011, 08:16 AM
Sorry, I updated my post after your reply... I will be replacing the 2 gang box with a 3 gang to add the 3rd switch. Of the 4 wires going into the box now, 3 have black, white and ground, with the 4th having black, white, red and ground. The 5th wire I will be adding has black, white and ground.

gdub1973
Jun 20, 2011, 10:42 AM
Here is a diagram of the current setup. It should be self-explanatory, but to elaborate...

1) the neutral for the wire that leads to the additional 3-way switch in the other room, is connected to the switch for the fan,
2) all other neutrals are pig-tailed,
3) the red from the 3-way is connected to the switch for the fan,
4) there is a jumper for the hot from the one switch to the other,
5) the hot for the lights, fan and main power (in?) are connected to the switch for the lights,
6) the hot for the 3-way and main power (out?) are pig-tailed, and
7) all wires are grounded directly to the box.