MTcummins
In the Trades
One of my investment properties has an existing single pole backfed (no neutral in box) switch powering the basement lights. I want to have it turned into a 3-way with the existing switch location at the top of the basement stairs, and add an additional switch at the back door leading out to the garage. I want both of these to be timer switches, so the tenants don't leave my lights on all the time.
I was thinking of the old school mechanical timers, the ones you twist to set the time. Reason for that is, I was thinking I can get away having this all wired with 12-2 wire of that unmentionable brand, rather than having to rerun the line to the switch to get a neutral up there. All that would need to be added is a single 12-2 leg over to the new switch. Also something nice about keeping it simple - less things to break/go wrong.
I have no need for a constant on function, only timed use, and want that timed functionality at both switch locations. In fact, not having the option of a constant on is actually desirable in this circumstance.
See my attached sketch of a wiring diagram to see if I'm thinking correctly. I think it would work. My main concern is that in the circumstance of both timers being in the "on" state, you'd get a weird power loop kind of situation between the switches. Would that be a problem since its all being fed the same power from the same circuit? One switch would probably be about double the distance from the Jct box as the other - maybe 20 feet for one, and 35 or so feet for the other, if that makes a difference. I've been told there could be some issue with power being in a different waveform or something, but that side of things is a bit over my head. I just want to know if it would work, and work safely.
If this doesn't work, are there any ways to do 2 countdown timers on the same set of lights? I can't seem to find any...
I was thinking of the old school mechanical timers, the ones you twist to set the time. Reason for that is, I was thinking I can get away having this all wired with 12-2 wire of that unmentionable brand, rather than having to rerun the line to the switch to get a neutral up there. All that would need to be added is a single 12-2 leg over to the new switch. Also something nice about keeping it simple - less things to break/go wrong.
I have no need for a constant on function, only timed use, and want that timed functionality at both switch locations. In fact, not having the option of a constant on is actually desirable in this circumstance.
See my attached sketch of a wiring diagram to see if I'm thinking correctly. I think it would work. My main concern is that in the circumstance of both timers being in the "on" state, you'd get a weird power loop kind of situation between the switches. Would that be a problem since its all being fed the same power from the same circuit? One switch would probably be about double the distance from the Jct box as the other - maybe 20 feet for one, and 35 or so feet for the other, if that makes a difference. I've been told there could be some issue with power being in a different waveform or something, but that side of things is a bit over my head. I just want to know if it would work, and work safely.
If this doesn't work, are there any ways to do 2 countdown timers on the same set of lights? I can't seem to find any...