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TheHunter88 · Jul 28, 2011, 07:47 AM

I would like to convert an existing 3-way switch to a regular switch which will function a light fixture. My question is how do I go about doing that without affect the other 3-way switch that I want to keep in service for an existing light?

TheHunter88 · Jul 28, 2011, 08:30 AM

I would like to convert an existing 3-way switch to a regular switch which will function a new light fixture. My question is how do I go about doing that without affecting the other 3-way switch that I want to keep in service for an existing light?

Stratmando · Jul 28, 2011, 09:47 AM

Can you provide a drawing of the switch and light boxes and the wires in all involved?
Thanks
Many configurations, is this in conduit or cable?

TheHunter88 · Jul 28, 2011, 09:58 AM

It is in conduit but I want to run "raceway track" with romex inside from the switch box that is conduit. I have identified the hot and neutral coming in but don't know what would be affected with the other 3-way switch/light in existenence.

ma0641 · Jul 28, 2011, 11:55 AM

Depends on how the original circuitwas wired. If the power went from 1 switch to the light and then to the other switch, you should be able to use a hot /neutral for a single pole. Actually you can use the 3 way, it will only have 2 wires now. However, if the power originally went to the light and then was switch looped to the switches, it will be very hard since there is no neutral, the white also carried current.

tkrussell · Jul 28, 2011, 12:32 PM

Disabling one 3 way switch will disable the other 3 way switch from acting as a 3 way, may be obvious, but had to say it.

We really need to know exactly the wiring between both switches and the lighting outlet to see how/if both switches can be converted to single pole switches.

Stratmando · Jul 28, 2011, 04:30 PM

You may have a hot in each box right now.
If Wiremold type raceways are used, you could just have a starter box at existing switch location(1 or 2 gang, for light/fan), then up to new light location. They make a Fan Box.
Do you have 2 wires the same color for travellers?
I would remove all wires from both switches, see which of the 6 are hot, connect this hot to a switch, just use the existing 3 way switches as regular switches, use the 2 screws that are on the same side of the switch, and install the switch with those 2 screws on the right side, this way up is On and down is Off. ignore the single screw on the other side. 1 3 way switch will positively have a hot and the other will difinately have a switched wire that goes directly to the light, Use 1 of the travellers to get light leg back to the other box if needed, Then you could use the other traveler to connect to the constant hot to go back to the other box on that traveller, then all you need is you new light wiring.
Reidentify the travellers to help keep track. Good Luck

TheHunter88 · Jul 28, 2011, 05:04 PM

Thank you for your reply. It makes sense from what you describe, its just about understanding the wire configuration. I appreciate you taking the time to answer! I will keep this and apply appropriately... thanks again!

TheHunter88 · Jul 28, 2011, 05:05 PM

Thank you for your reply. I am glad there are people out there that want to help! I will use this with other comments to make a decision, before I make a connection!

hkstroud · Jul 28, 2011, 07:42 PM

Why don't you give us a little more detail about what you want to do. (Perhaps I missed it).

If your wiring is in conduit you should be able to pull any additional wires or to change wires as needed to "Have it your way"