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Install a pair of three way switches to control a light/device - electricity.straw.three PEP BB

BB electricity - straw badge
posted 4 years ago
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This is a badge bit (BB) that is part of the PEP curriculum.  Completing this BB is part of getting the straw badge in Electricity.

In this Badge Bit, you will install a three way light switch set.  That's where two switches control the same light, say at either end of a hallway.  They're a bit complicated and simple all at the same time.  Let's try it!

Here's a video of a guy explaining how they work:


To complete this BB, the minimum requirements are:
  - install a pair of 3 way switches to control a light, outlet or device
  - you can upgrade an existing switch to a 3 way arrangement to get this BB

To show you've completed this Badge Bit, provide proof of the following as pics or video (less than two minutes):
  - the location before you start the job
  - the wiring underway
  - a view of each switch wired up
  - the installation done showing the light operating with either switch operating it
COMMENTS:
 
David Huang
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posted 3 years ago
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Approved submission
Woo Hoo, it looks like I'm the first to submit for the three way switch BB!  I recently had to do such a set up for the first time and remembered this BB existed.  The video linked explaining how to do this was just what I needed to learn how.  It was fairly easy once I realized three way switches are physically different from normal switches!  Anyway, here are my images of the project.  It was hard to get both the switch position and an indicator light working in the same shot for evidence this was properly done.  I hope you are able to see that part clearly enough.

3way1.jpg
This is an image of the wall before work started. (In one of the rooms anyway.)
This is an image of the wall before work started. (In one of the rooms anyway.)
3way2.jpg
This shot shows the hole cut for the boxes. Note you can see through into the second room where the other switch will be.
This shot shows the hole cut for the boxes. Note you can see through into the second room where the other switch will be.
3way3.jpg
Here is the wiring underway.
Here is the wiring underway.
3way4.jpg
Switch number 1 wired up.
Switch number 1 wired up.
3way5.jpg
Switch number 2 wired up.
Switch number 2 wired up.
3way6.jpg
Box and switch number 2 mounted.
Box and switch number 2 mounted.
3way7.jpg
Box and switch number 1 mounted.
Box and switch number 1 mounted.
3way8.jpg
Switch in up position and light on.
Switch in up position and light on.
3way9.jpg
Switch in up position and light off.
Switch in up position and light off.
3way10.jpg
Switch in down position and light on.
Switch in down position and light on.
3way11.jpg
Switch in down position and light off.
Switch in down position and light off.

You are welcome to check out my blog at http://www.theartisthomestead.com or my artwork at http://www.davidhuang.org

Staff note (gir bot) :

Mike Haasl approved this submission.
Note: Good way to show that both switches operate the tester

 
Logan McClish
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posted 3 years ago
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I converted a school bus into a tiny home and wired the entire thing myself (with a little help/input from my old man). Funny enough, he switch a couple of wires on a transformer and gave me a zap!

I installed 2, 3-way switches for the living room and kitchen, which in a bus is basically the same room. Still nice to have options.

I've had trouble posting the youtube link of me turning the lights on and off. If it doesn't work, you can copy and paste the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwzrf8LgVRk]Youtube_Link[/youtube]

Front-Switch-Location-Under-Construction.jpg
[Thumbnail for Front-Switch-Location-Under-Construction.jpg]
Wiring-Complete.jpg
[Thumbnail for Wiring-Complete.jpg]
Wired-but-not-Covered.jpg
[Thumbnail for Wired-but-not-Covered.jpg]
Staff note (gir bot) :

David Huang approved this submission.
Note: Looks like a pretty cool project overall!  I can certainly see why it would be nice to have switches on each end of the bus too.

 
R Parian
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posted 1 year ago
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Finally got around to installing a pair of three way switches for a new light in a room that previously had no light.  Switch #1 was installed in an empty bay of an existing double gang box in a finished wall (the right switch), and switch #2 is in a new double gang box I installed in an unfinished wall. I left the right bay of the new box empty for now, but I plan to put a single pole switch in it to power an outdoor light at some point in the future.
20230904_141055.jpg
The location before starting the job.
The location before starting the job.
20230904_141230.jpg
Switch box installed.
Switch box installed.
20230904_144614.jpg
Drilling holes in studs for wire.
Drilling holes in studs for wire.
20230904_151738.jpg
Wire run to switch box.
Wire run to switch box.
20230904_151945.jpg
Wire roughed in to light.
Wire roughed in to light.
20230904_154120.jpg
Light done.
Light done.
20230904_160815.jpg
Switch #1 wired.
Switch #1 wired.
20230904_155851.jpg
Switch #2 wired.
Switch #2 wired.
20230909_135750.jpg
Switch #2 down, light off.
Switch #2 down, light off.
20230909_135755.jpg
Switch #2 up, light on.
Switch #2 up, light on.
20230909_135858.jpg
Switch #2 down, light on.
Switch #2 down, light on.
20230909_135817.jpg
Switch #1 up, light on.
Switch #1 up, light on.
20230909_135831.jpg
Switch #1 down, light off.
Switch #1 down, light off.
20230909_135913.jpg
Switch #1 down, light on.
Switch #1 down, light on.
20230909_135928.jpg
Switch #1 up, light off.
Switch #1 up, light off.

Now you can track your PEP BB and Badge progress in Google Sheets! Download today: PEP BB Calculator for Google Sheets

Staff note (gir bot) :

David Huang approved this submission.
Note: I hearby certify this complete.

 
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