Light Switche(s) Question

[sherlocktk]

I have an idea. I want the lights in my garage to be on a timer switch (the type you turn and get 15 minutes out of) This would be the main switch when you walk into the garage, For instance when the wife and or kids do laundry. I want to have a second "secret" switch which also turns on the lights that is a more out of the way spot if I am working on something for 4 hours. I am NOT looking for a 3 way switch. More just a way to turn on a device unconditinoally regarless of the state the opposing switch is.

So one timer switch and one normal switch, can they both control be on the same hot/breaker so the power wire is essentially split before the switches. Wire goes to 2 switches. Output of each switch is then spliced together then on to the load/light. Does this violate code? My current garage is all done in EMT so its easy to add/delete/move wires around. This is an attached 3 car garage.

 

[GMBracing]

just put the secret switch leads across the timer and it will work

 

[wyliesdiesels]

You could use a 3-way switch for your secret switch, wire an 'always' hot line to one gold screw terminal, wire the hot feed from the timer to the other gold screw, and then wire the lead going to the lights onto the black/common screw! This way, if u turn the secret switch on, the internal switch mechanism will connect the common screw with the 'always' hot terminal, and turning the 3-way off will move the mechanism to connect the common terminal with the terminal connected to the feed coming from the timer!

Now i know u said u dont want a 3-way switch but u essentially stated the definition of a 3-way switch in the last sentence of your first paragraph!

I am NOT looking for a 3 way switch. More just a way to turn on a device unconditinoally regarless of the state the opposing switch is.

 

[alpinewhite]

You could use a 3-way switch for your secret switch, wire an 'always' hot line to one gold screw terminal, wire the hot feed from the timer to the other gold screw, and then wire the lead going to the lights onto the black/common screw! This way, if u turn the secret switch on, the internal switch mechanism will connect the common screw with the 'always' hot terminal, and turning the 3-way off will move the mechanism to connect the common terminal with the terminal connected to the feed coming from the timer!

That would work, too, but why bother? Why not just put the secret switch wires across the timer? Simpler to understand. No code being broken as long as all connections are inside accessible boxes. In fact, if I were OP, I'd put in a 12-hour or 6-hour timer instead of the manual secret switch. That way, if OP were to forget to turn off his switch, it won't reveal the secret to the kids.

 

[BigGMC]

GEt an occupancy switch. Its an infrared sensor that will detect someone coming into the room, turn on the lights and leave them on for a predetermined time. Usually they also have an override switch as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-PR180-1LW-Incandescent-Infrared-Occupancy/dp/B0007N737S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1364249083&sr=8-2&keywords=occupancy+switch

 

[Jefe]

GEt an occupancy switch. Its an infrared sensor that will detect someone coming into the room, turn on the lights and leave them on for a predetermined time. Usually they also have an override switch as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-PR180-1LW-Incandescent-Infrared-Occupancy/dp/B0007N737S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1364249083&sr=8-2&keywords=occupancy+switch

Came here to say just that ^

 

[Falcon67]

But the override is on the switch, not remote. Also - for your timer you will need power to feed into the switch box because the timers and occupancy sensors require a neutral. Here is a thought - in our laundry room we use an occupancy sensor that turns the light OFF after a set time, not on. We have it set for 5 minutes. It works with a 3 way switch and only requires two wires to the other switch for manual on/off. The OC has on/off on it also.

Like this -
http://www.lowes.com/pd_353663-334-OS310U-LA-K_0__?productId=3542192&Ntt=occupancy+sensors&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Doccupancy%2Bsensors&facetInfo=

 

[Norcal]

But the override is on the switch, not remote. Also - for your timer you will need power to feed into the switch box because the timers and occupancy sensors require a neutral. Here is a thought - in our laundry room we use an occupancy sensor that turns the light OFF after a set time, not on. We have it set for 5 minutes. It works with a 3 way switch and only requires two wires to the other switch for manual on/off. The OC has on/off on it also.

Like this -
http://www.lowes.com/pd_353663-334-OS310U-LA-K_0__?productId=3542192&Ntt=occupancy+sensors&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Doccupancy%2Bsensors&facetInfo=

If a spring wound timer is used no neutral is required. Intermatic is the most wellknown manufacturer of them.

 

[BigGMC]

Why is having neutral a problem? OP says all runs are conduit.

 

[nehog]

The timer I have has four settings, 10, 20, 30, 60 minutes, and a fifth of always on. Push the button once, get 10 minutes, twice 20, and so forth. Press and hold for 5 seconds and get always on, so that's not selectable accidentally. I got mine at HD, but I'm sure they are available most everywhere.

 

[theoldwizard1]

just put the secret switch leads across the timer and it will work

This !

 

[Falcon67]

If a spring wound timer is used no neutral is required. Intermatic is the most wellknown manufacturer of them.

Had some of those - never again. Extremely unreliable about turning off. I use these and have yet to have one fail in the last 20 years or so. As with anything, YMMV LOL.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_156020-8991...t=timer&pl=1&currentURL=?Ntt=timer&facetInfo=

 

[nehog]

Had some of those - never again. Extremely unreliable about turning off. I use these and have yet to have one fail in the last 20 years or so. As with anything, YMMV LOL.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_156020-8991...t=timer&pl=1&currentURL=?Ntt=timer&facetInfo=

THis is the timer I was referring to... I have several, work well, and reliable.

 

[BigGMC]

Had some of those - never again. Extremely unreliable about turning off. I use these and have yet to have one fail in the last 20 years or so. As with anything, YMMV LOL.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_156020-8991...t=timer&pl=1&currentURL=?Ntt=timer&facetInfo=

That is a nice one.