[prybar]

I have added a set of 3 way switches to an existing light. It's a weird setup, so please bear with me as I explain.

Starting at the light box, I have the 2 wire feeding into the box. Out from the box is a 3 wire. The connections are black from panel to black to switch. White from panel and white from switch both to shiny screws. Red from switch to hot on light.

I know the 3 wire is not usually required, but in this case, the black from the light that goes into the switch box is marred off to another wire that leads off to power a separate light.

Basically, I need to know how to wire the light and light box. I've tried a few combos that have resulted in either the light staying on and no power carried on to other lights, or blown fuses...

I can take pictures if need be, but I'm really at a loss here as to why I can't get this. I'm fairly positive that the everything beyond the light is OK (my only question is should all the whites be marred together in that switch box?)

Hopefully someone can help me out, the darkness is driving me crazy.. :)

Thanks

Pry

[donf]

Okay, a couple of things, The first of which is a code violation.

The 2011 edition of the NEC now requires the presence of a Neutral (Return) at a switch outlet. This requirement is because of speciality switches, such as motion sensors, that require a Neutral Connection point.

To the code violation. When you do a "Switch Loop", you can feed the switch with a retasked white conductor. You mark both ends of the conductor with a permanent black marker or black electrical tape.

It is a violation of code to provide the return from the switch with a white conductor.

So, if I were wiring your switch, I would use red to feed the switch, black to return the feed and white, cap off for future use.

[prybar]

Thanks for the reply!

The problem I think I'm having is the fact that the black is currently providing power beyond the switch box. That is to say, the black is marred to another wire that leaves the switch box and carries on to power a plug and light in a different room...

I understand exactly what you're saying, and were this to be a normal situation, that would solve my issue. Due to the fact, however, that the power is basically "split" at the light, with 1 hitting the switch and 1 being sent elsewhere, I'm still unsure of the proper wire setup in the light box.

Right now, because the power goes 2 different ways in the switch box, I have all the whites marred together. (1 from light, 1 from switch (3 wire that carries on to another 3 way switch) and 1 that carries on out of the box to other things)...

Thanks for the reply! I hope I'm explaining everything correctly...

Pry

[hkstroud]

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[prybar]

hkstroud - THANK YOU SO MUCH!

The secret was in the pigtails.. I couldn't grasp how to get the circuit complete... pigtails never even dawned on me.

Everything works perfectly, thank you for the diagram, nice and simple to follow.

Best regards

Pry