Hello, I have a question regarding a 3 way switch. On my new construction home, I originally had a single pole switch controlling a stairs light, and 2 lights at the bottom of my stairs wired (red and black). I would like to add a dimmer light 3way (Leviton Ilummatech) at the bottom of my stairs and replace the single pole with a regular 3 way switch.
When I opened up the 2 gang box there are 3 x 14-3 cables.
1st cable has nothing attached to it and is leading downstairs and also has nothing connected to it (I guess was left for future).
2nd 14-3 cable is wired to my single pole switch (red & black-120v) white to white on the 3rd 14-3 cable, ground to ground on box.
3rd 14-3 cable is wired to my hallway light (red to traveler, black from 2nd cable (120v) common, black to other traveler.
My question is how do I wire in my 3 way switch with the 1st 14-3 cable & 2nd 14-3 cable and connect it to my 3 way dimmer downstairs? Please help?

THANK YOU

3 Way switches have 3 connections, the 2 dark screws are for the travellers and are connected to each switch.
One 3 way is called the LIVE END, and is connected to a constant Live wire(hot), 3rd terminal.
The other switch will be called the SWITCHED END(it is the switched wire that connects to the Lights hot)3rd terminal.
DO NOT INSTALL DIMMER until it works with switches.
Red and black could be travellers and the white(with black tape on it), could bring a switched leg to the other end of the stairs.

[QUOTE=Stratmando;3482820]3 Way switches have 3 connections, the 2 dark screws are for the travellers and are connected to each switch.
One 3 way is called the LIVE END, and is connected to a constant Live wire(hot), 3rd terminal.
The other switch will be called the SWITCHED END(it is the switched wire that connects to the Lights hot)3rd terminal.
DO NOT INSTALL DIMMER until it works with switches.
Red and black could be travellers and the white(with black tape on it), could bring a switched leg to the other end of the stairs.

Can I send you a diagram of my wiring?
I cannot attach the picture on here.

I got your Email, Wanted to attach the Image here, forget how, it will let you attach a URL, Want to attach a photo? Anyway
Turn Power off, remove the Left Single pole switch, you could identify that red wire with yellow tape, this is the switched leg, connect this red(yellow tape) to the common of this 3 way, red and black will connect to the 2 traveller screws.
Then the Black that went to the Left single pole switch will connect to the white that goes downstairs(identify with black tape on both ends), this white with black tape will connect to the common of the downstairs 3 way, and the red and black connect to the same colored dark screws(traveller screws).
In this case the Hot end is downstairs and the Switched end is Upstairs.
Turn power on, test lights.
Good Luck

To attach a picture (or drawing), up load pic to computer in JPEG format. Make your post, at least 2 characters. Click the GO Advanced button below the Quick Answer block. Scroll down and click on the Management Attachments button. Browse for picture. Click Open then click UPLOAD.
Why do you have a 2 gang box at top of stairs. Are there 2 switches, one for the light at the top of the stairs and one for the lights at the bottom?

Does the 3-wire cable going down stairs go to the location you want to install the 3-way switch?

I got your Email, Wanted to attach the Image here, forget how, it will let you attach a URL, Want to attach a photo? Anyway
Turn Power off, remove the Left Single pole switch, you could identify that red wire with yellow tape, this is the switched leg, connect this red(yellow tape) to the common of this 3 way, red and black will connect to the 2 traveller screws.
Then the Black that went to the Left single pole switch will connect to the white that goes downstairs(identify with black tape on both ends), this white with black tape will connect to the common of the downstairs 3 way, and the red and black connect to the same colored dark screws(traveller screws).
In this case the Hot end is downstairs and the Switched end is Upstairs.
Turn power on, test lights.
Good Luck


Ohhhh I hope it works I will give you an update as soon as I can. Thank you for your time once again

Here is the drawing I got:

There you go HK, I don't know if I should mention, he may be able to put a 4 way in the middle, and control all the lights from 3 locations.
May be lacking a wire for that?

First drawing is what you have now.

Second drawing is changes at switches.

(When I said living room lights, I meant hallway lights, to hard to change on drawing)

cbagnas, how did you do?
Hks drawing shows the Live end upstairs and the Switched end downstairs, either way will work.

Stratmando & hkstroud, I appreciate both your time and input. I am out of town for work till tomorrow, but am itching to try the new wiring. I will try as soon as I get home and keep you guys updated. THANK YOU

Either way will work. Choose one.