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I have a 2 way switch. Is there a way to "split" the 1st switch

 
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  • Answered by:Sparky
  • Master Electrician
  • Positive Feedback: 97.3 %
  • Accepted Answers: 284
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Customer Question

I have a 2 way switch. Is there a way to "split" the 1st switch and add additional independent light (on its own switch), without running new wires?

1st box/switch (black/green/white, black/green/white, black/green/white/red, green) is connected to switch plate (black/black/red).

2nd box/switch (black/green/white/red, black/green/white, green) is connected to switch plate (black/black/red/green).
Thank you.

Submitted: 279 days ago.
Category: Electrical
Value: $35
Status: CLOSED
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Expert:  Sparky replied279 days ago.


Sparky :

Hello, my name is XXXX XXX I'm here to answer any of your electrical questions.

Sparky :

I will need some more information to understand your situation better. Where do you plan on putting the new light? Can you take pictures and post?

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Expert:  Sparky replied279 days ago.

Our chat has ended, but you can still continue to ask me questions here until you are satisfied with your answer. Come back to this page to view our conversation and any other new information.

What happens now?

If you haven’t already done so, please rate your answer above. Or, you can reply to me using the box below.

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Expert:  Sparky replied279 days ago.

maybe if i explain how a 3 way switch works, this will help you. On the first switch you have 2 blacks and a red, one black and one red (coming from the same romex if this is the kind of wire we are dealing with) are the travelers the only place these 2 wires go is to the other 3way switch. The other black wire is either the power source, or the wire going to the light. That explains where the wires go. You need all of these wire just for the 3 way switches

Customer replied279 days ago.

Attached is a diagram of the wiring.. (both switches) for the same light.... I am planning on installing a new (independent) light, which will be located near the 1st switch.... which wires can/should i connect from the 1st switch/box?diagram

Accepted Answer

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Expert:  Sparky replied278 days and 23 hours ago.

ok from your wiring diagram, which is excellent, thank you. You would need to attach you new wire as follows: white would connect to the knot of whites, your black wire would connect to your new switch, the from the knot of black wires you would need a pig tail, black wire going to the other screw on your new switch. Then you attach the green (ground) to the green screw on the switch. On the other end of your new wire you attach your new fixture black to black, white to white green, or bare to green, or bare. If you need further info please let me know. Sparky41134.8502446412

Expert TypeMaster Electrician
Category: Electrical
Pos. Feedback: 97.3 %
Accepts: 284
Answered: 8/13/2012

Experience: 10 yrs as a electrician. Have my own company.

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Customer replied278 days and 21 hours ago.

thank you so much for your answer.. last question:


so, on the new switch there will be 2 black wires (one from knots and the other from the new light) and a green (from the new light).. is that correct? Thank you.

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Expert:  Sparky replied278 days and 21 hours ago.

Yes on the new switch you will put the black wires on the gold screws, one will be coming from the hot wires (blacks), and the other will be coming from the light. Black as well. Please leave feedback for my answer. Greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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Expert:  Sparky replied275 days and 20 hours ago.

Thank you for the rating. I greatly appreciate that. If you need anything further, you know where we are. Thank you for you time

 
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