Kitchen Ideas Faqs

I'm wiring 4 can ceiling lights in my kitchen, and they will be switch from two 3-way switches?

Power is in one of the switch boxes, where it now is a single switch, but am adding 3-way switches, one at the original single switch point and another with the traveler wire between the the two switches. My question is how to wire from the power source and switch to the first of four lights. Do I wire the white wires together and the blacks are the power pigtails to each light or am I thinking that wrong? 3 way switches I understand basics, but not sure how the lights are inter connected . I have rough wired the light outlets from first thru the fourth light with last light outlet having the switch leg going to the 2nd 3 way switch.

Public Comments

1. You need to verify what you are thinking with a wiring diagram. If you can't find one in a book or online showing exactly what you are trying to do, you will have to sit down and take the time to sketch it up on paper. That is the only way you can keep this straight. I've done this many times, and won't attempt to wire it up until I can see it on paper.
2. Neutral (white) wire connected from the supply to each of the lights white wires. Black (hot) wire from the supply to the common terminal on the first three way switch. 2 runner wires between the switches. Hot wire from the common terminal on the second three way switch to the blacks on each of the lights. Email me if this isn't clear to you.