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mr500 · Mar 24, 2008, 01:40 PM

Have a quick question on wiring 3 way switch. I want to come out of my panel into the overhead lights then down to the switch and of course on to the next 3-way. My question is can I run 12/2 from panel to the lights then down to the first switch THEN run 14/3 from this switch to the last 3 way. I know I CAN do it lol, just wanting to know does this throw up any red flags with me mixing the 12/2 and the 14/2 in the same run. Also it will fee out of a 15 amp circuit. There are about 4 fluorescent lights for this run.
Mike

stanfortyman · Mar 24, 2008, 02:02 PM

You certainly can do that, but WHY bother??

While it is not code required, I would definitely label the #12 in the panel "15A breaker ONLY".
Someone is bound to come along later and say why did this guy use a 15A breaker on #12?
THIS is one of the main reason I see NO reason to mix wire or to use an undersized breaker.

mr500 · Mar 24, 2008, 02:06 PM

Well I have a roll of 14/3 that was given to me, and instead of buying another 30 ft of wire with 3 conductors for the 3 way swtiches, I want to use the free stuff lol. If I had 12/3 I would use that but that's little more cost when I can get the 14/3 for free. That's the only reason.

Its out on my shed, and I can LABEL it as you said.

Thanks

Mike

Stratmando · Mar 24, 2008, 05:54 PM

On the 3 way switching part, I would run power to 1 switch location, then run the lights to the other 3 way location.
The power location, connect hot to common terminal of three way, red and black for travellers(between the 3 ways) the other three way will have the red and black from first three way plus the common(hot) that goes to the lights. The white joins in each box and connects to no switch.

mr500 · Mar 25, 2008, 02:45 PM

Gotcha.Thanks for all the help!! :D