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    tableclocks's Avatar
    tableclocks Posts: 432, Reputation: 2
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    #1

    Apr 29, 2013, 05:46 AM
    Can I use 14-2 for a 3 way switch
    3 way switchs for 2 lights in the garage.. can I let the ground wire run through the systen as the common.. and black tape up the ends ? And the blk and what as the travlers... tks richars.. I'll be using 12-2 cause I have 12-2...
    I have about a 30 foot run from switch to switch...
    Follow up... or can I use the ground as a travler.. black taped.. leaveing it in the main jacket ? Tks...
    hfcarson's Avatar
    hfcarson Posts: 1,003, Reputation: 49
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    #2

    Apr 29, 2013, 06:16 AM
    Good Lord... you're kidding?
    It's not just bad practice, it's also against the electrical code and a potential
    Landmine for the next guy...

    Electricity is not something to be creative with. Learn the rules and do it right!
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #3

    Apr 29, 2013, 06:20 AM
    Now that's a different approach. So when you open the box, the bare wire will always be hot. And anything it touches will be hot. Please rethink your solution.
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
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    #4

    Apr 29, 2013, 06:29 AM
    No!

    If your area is using the 2008 or lower edition of the NEC, you will need #14/3 w/ground for three way switches.

    If your area has adopted the 2011 of the NEC, you will need #14/4 with ground. The 2011 edition requires that you have a grounded conductor (Neutral) at the switch outlet, in case you might want to use a specialty switch.

    Black, would go to the common post. Red and Blue (re-tasked as Red) would be the travelers. White (capped off) would be the required Neutral.
    tableclocks's Avatar
    tableclocks Posts: 432, Reputation: 2
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    #5

    Apr 29, 2013, 07:58 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by donf View Post
    No!

    If your area is using the 2008 or lower edition of the NEC, you will need #14/3 w/ground for three way switches.

    If your area has adopted the 2011 of the NEC, you will need #14/4 with ground. The 2011 edition requires that you have a grounded conductor (Neutral) at the switch outlet, in case you might want to use a specialty switch.

    Black, would go to the common post. Red and Blue (re-tasked as Red) would be the travelers. White (capped off) would be the required Neutral.
    Don't know what my code is... however... I'll get some 14-2 and run two lengths of it so I have 2 whs n 2 blks and can one off... tks... richard
    hfcarson's Avatar
    hfcarson Posts: 1,003, Reputation: 49
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    #6

    Apr 29, 2013, 08:01 AM
    Be aware, you are still doing this wrong...
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
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    #7

    Apr 29, 2013, 08:06 AM
    Rich,

    Do not use 14/2! At a minimum use 14/3. Using 14/2 will cause wiring problems.

    The price for 14/3 is pretty close to 14/2. However, personally, I would use 14/4.

    The trade off in ease of installation is worth the few dollars difference over 14/2.
    tableclocks's Avatar
    tableclocks Posts: 432, Reputation: 2
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    #8

    Apr 29, 2013, 09:08 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by hfcarson View Post
    be aware, you are still doing this wrong....
    OK... I c a 250 ft roll of 14-3 on crigs list for 45.00
    creahands's Avatar
    creahands Posts: 2,854, Reputation: 195
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    #9

    Apr 29, 2013, 09:43 PM
    I don't know in your area, but Home depot near me will sell any size wire any length. They cut it off a large roll.

    Chuck
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #10

    Apr 30, 2013, 06:15 PM
    Don,

    See Article 404.2 Switch Connections

    A. Three-way and Four-way Switch

    Exception.
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