3way to single with 2 hot wires?

[tabosko]

Hello all!

I have a walk in closet that has to light switches on each side that control the same light.

Goal: I want to convert one switch to a switch/outlet combo single pole as I have no use for the other switch. it will simply be used as a pass thru. I need continuous power to the outlet.

Problem: From my understanding a 3way setup has one black "hot" wire from the breaker. this goes into one switch that breaks off into 2 travelers to the other switch which then goes out that switch to a load to the light..

My Voltage detector is reading a "hot" wire from each switch... the light that I'm swapping has a red wire from the wall thats hot (I previously thought this was the load) AND in the same box there is a black wire thats hot as well thats from the other switch. In fact I can disconnect every wire in this box and still control the light from the other switch. I have included a diagram of the old switch and how I have the current switch hooked up (2 black wires left off as I dont where to put them.) NOTE: the fin is broken. Why would there need to be 2 hot wires from the breaker?

 

[Terry D]

First, if you are using a non contact voltage tester. Stop using it. Those things go crazy on 3-way switch circuits. They are not really accurate, they have their purpose, just not for this. Use a meter that reads voltage. You are correct on your understanding, the common on one 3-way is always the power coming into the circuit and the common on the other is the power going to the light. The other 2 screws just connect together with travelers. What changes is the wiring in relation of what box does the power come in, what box does the light come in.

Sometimes the power comes in at the light box, in that case, you would not have a neutral in the switch boxes. It can be multiple different ways this is wired. Sometimes the white is a traveler, sometimes it is a neutral. If the white is connected to the switch, it is not a neutral. The red is usually a traveler, but not necessary all the time. The only way for us to know is with pictures. Put the 3-way switches back and wire them like they were, and post some pictures, so we know what wires are on the common screw. You will probably have to post a few more times on different threads before you can post pictures. I think you need around 5 posts

 

[wyliesdiesels]

From where are you getting the neutral?

 

[Jim greengo]

From where are you getting the neutral?

What he said