Replace 3 way switch with 3-way switch/receptacle combo


  #1  
Old 02-10-19, 11:41 AM
Z
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Replace 3 way switch with 3-way switch/receptacle combo

Hello,

Looking to solve two issues with this existing switch.

1. I just realized the switch is completely exposed on the side. The actual box is buried a couple inches back. The switch itself and the face plate are screwed to this 2x6 that surrounds our garage door and where the garage door rails are screwed to.
I assume a box extender would fix this. Do they come in different depths?

2. Main upgrade - convert this 3-way switch to a 3-way switch combo.
I’ve found one online at Amazon. See picture. I’ve provided a photo of the existing wiring setup.

How would I hook up the new combo switch so the plug is always powered and the 3-way switch still works?

Thanks
 
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  #2  
Old 02-10-19, 11:49 AM
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Box extenders depth will vary between manufactures. Most cases they will come one length and you need to trim them shorter as needed. In your case you might need a complete single gang handy box extension. (google handy box extension)

While that device will work it does not provide the GFCI protection that is required in a garage.

How would I hook up the new combo switch so the plug is always powered and the 3-way switch still works?
That will only work if the existing 3 way is on the hot side of the 3 ways and not the switch leg side. To check this you need to use a tester and you should have power on the common wire (dark color screw on the 3 way) no matter what position the switches are in.
 
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Old 02-10-19, 12:04 PM
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Yes, I should have thought of that.

If there is constant power on the common screw, I assume that wire would go to the common black screws on the new combo switch? And then the travelers go to the two gold screws?

I just found a Leviton video, and they also hook up the white wires to the silver screws? Would that be needed? Why or why not?

Thanks....I’ve changed a lot of receptacles, ceiling fans, switches but once 3 ways get involved, I’m lost and can never remember things.
 
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Old 02-10-19, 12:38 PM
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The white are needed for the receptacle to work. Also the ground should be connected to the device.
 
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Old 02-10-19, 12:47 PM
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What’s the proper way to attach the two whites to the one silver screw? A small pigtail? I assume you should never squeeze two wires under one screw? I’ve never done that.
 
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Old 02-10-19, 12:52 PM
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Pigtail is good. Some screws with capture plates can accept two wires.
 
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Old 02-10-19, 01:03 PM
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I assume you should never squeeze two wires under one screw?
Correct. Only one wire is allowed under one screw. Adding a pigtail in the best option.
 
 

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