3 Three way switches in one box

[robertearl]

I am just starting to plan out my wiring for my new shop. This is a question on the best way to run the wires for a three way switch in conduit.

By door one, there will be one box with 3 three way switches. ( one for half the lights in the shop, one for the other half of the lights and one for the outdoor lights. ) By door two there will be another box with 3 three way switches.

Question: Is it OK to run only 1 common wire that is sized larger from door to door or should I run 3 separate commons from the sub panel to the first door and then 3 separate commons for each switch to the other door.

Question: If I run 3 separate commons, can I run all of the wires ( 9 wires plus ground ) in the same conduit, just use a 1 inch instead of 1/2 inch?

Just looking for the most efficient way to get all of the wires to where they need to be.

Reb

 

[walrus]

I am just starting to plan out my wiring for my new shop. This is a question on the best way to run the wires for a three way switch in conduit.

By door one, there will be one box with 3 three way switches. ( one for half the lights in the shop, one for the other half of the lights and one for the outdoor lights. ) By door two there will be another box with 3 three way switches.

Question: Is it OK to run only 1 common wire that is sized larger from door to door or should I run 3 separate commons from the sub panel to the first door and then 3 separate commons for each switch to the other door.

Question: If I run 3 separate commons, can I run all of the wires ( 9 wires plus ground ) in the same conduit, just use a 1 inch instead of 1/2 inch?

Just looking for the most efficient way to get all of the wires to where they need to be.

Reb

It depends on the loads(how many amps the lights are drawing) and how you phase the switches.

 

[His200HerScout]

I am just starting to plan out my wiring for my new shop. This is a question on the best way to run the wires for a three way switch in conduit.

By door one, there will be one box with 3 three way switches. ( one for half the lights in the shop, one for the other half of the lights and one for the outdoor lights. ) By door two there will be another box with 3 three way switches.

Question: Is it OK to run only 1 common wire that is sized larger from door to door or should I run 3 separate commons from the sub panel to the first door and then 3 separate commons for each switch to the other door.

Question: If I run 3 separate commons, can I run all of the wires ( 9 wires plus ground ) in the same conduit, just use a 1 inch instead of 1/2 inch?

Just looking for the most efficient way to get all of the wires to where they need to be.

Reb

Can you describe it in further detail? What are the specs (watts, amps, volts) on the lighting fixtures you're going to control, and how many on each switch?

I found the site below very helpful when wiring my basement, and I'll refer to it soon when I start my garage. I just went with the variation that used the least amount of wire in a particular situation.
http://www.electrical-online.com/wiringdiagrams.htm

Do your ideas fit any of those variations?

 

[tfi racing]

What wire are you calling "common"?If it is the neutral(white)it doesn't need to go to either switch,please explain.