Replace 3 way switch with 3-way switch/receptacle combo
#1
Member
Thread Starter
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
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
#2
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.
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.
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?
#3
Member
Thread Starter
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.
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.
#5
Member
Thread Starter
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.