Switch Wiring

matrix733

Hello all, I have a threater room with six overhead lights as pictured below.

http://img136.imageshack.us/my.php?i...elightsmh4.jpg


These are recessed lighting and the back three is connected with 14/3 cable. A 14/3 cable also comes from the back set to the first light in the front set. The power in (14/2) cable comes in at the center front lights.

A 14/3 comes from the center light to the switch with the white wire labeled as hot.


my issue is, there is two regular toggle switch to control each set separately, however, is there anyway that this can be wire so I still have a neutral wire at the switch or do I have to pull in a separate neutral?

This is in a finnish environment. I have remote control dimmer switched that needs a neutral wire to operate and i need to control both sets with two switches.

I have all the recessed fixtures out and have access to all the connections.

Thanks

RichyL

I'm pretty sure your gonna have to run another wire to your switch to get your neutral. As i understand you have a 14-3 running to the switch from one of the lights. One wire is the hot and the other 2 are switchlegs controlling the 2 sets of lights. The only way around this that I can see is to make all the lights operate on 1 switch which you will be able to eliminate one of your switchlegs and turn it into a neutral to send down to your switch. You will have to retie in your cans accordingly. If you decide to just run another wire to send a neutral down to the switch just tie your neutral in with one of the neutrals in any one of the cans. You can just cap off the black wire because you dont need another hot

220/221

Yeah...you're stuck. I HATE when they wire like that.




If you decide to just run another CABLE to send a neutral down to the switch....

matrix733

ok, I remove my baseboards, cut out the drywall thats not visible when the baseboards are back in place and ran a 14/2 to a nearby outlet and use that neutral and it works, is this acceptable?

Thanks

220/221

Same circuit?


Heh heh...I was just posting on this exact scenario in another thread.

Jim Port

All of the circuit conductors should be run together. Just grabbing a neutral, even if it is from the same circuit, would not be correct.

220/221

"Should be run together" or "shall be run together"?

"Correct" as in "code compliant"?


Code violation or just unorthodox? Just curious. I honestly don't know.



He could also simply rewire and use the new feed from the outlet and disconnect it/remake up at the light JB. Of course "simply" is a relative term ESPECIALLY with recessed cans.

You could also just use a different style of dimmer.

Andy in ATL

You are OK as long as it is on the same circuit. There shall be no 'jacking of neutrals from other circuits.

Andy

matrix733

Thanks, same circuit = ok