We just bought a new house, and after painting, I've been replacing all the outlets and switches.

As I was replacing a couple of 3-way switches, I saw that the previous owners used just 2-wire cable between the 3-way switches, using the bare ground as the traveller wire. This is obviously not right, and is just one in a series of many DIY things that they did wrong. We are suing the sellers because of all their DIY mistakes and non-disclosure of preexisting problems.

The question is this -- is there a National Electric Code standard that would address this problem that our lawyer could site?

Also, how dangerous is this? Should I disconnect the fixture and go to just a single switch? I'll run new wires when I can, but will have to pull down the sheetrock to do so.

Thanks.
Greg

I am not an electrician so I can't help you with that prat of your question, but I have a suggestion on how to replace the wire with three wire. Instead of pulling down some sheetrock maybe you could plow some trenches in the rock where the wires will run and then patch them over... just a suggestion...

The specific edition of the National Electric Code that is adopted and in effect in your state must be determined. This can be found by contacting any local electrical inspector, or by contacting the State agency which regulates electrical installations in your state.

I have handy, and use the 2002 edition in my State. The 2005 edition may be in effect in your State. There are minor differences between the two, however, both will remain constant on those Articles and Sections that have not changed.

Article 110- Requirements for Electrical Installations
Section 110.3-Examination, Identification, Installation, and use of Equipment, should cover this situation you have.

If you can determine the manufacturer of the cable, find the name on the exterior of the plastci sheathing, you can produce the product cut sheet, to back up the fact the use of the cable is not in compliance with it's UL Listing.

Yes, you should take this cable out of service immediately. To help your case, you should hire a qualified electrician to perform the work, and to document that the work was done. Continuing to use the cable as is will not help your case.

If you have conduit, you could pull the correct wire through that. With bx, I'm afraid your right.

Depending on if staples are used, how big the holes through the joists & studs are, etc, you may be able to affix some 3-wire to the existing 2-wire, cross your fingers, and pull really hard.