Multiple outlets on 3 way switches

[Daveyclimber]

I'm looking to install LED shop type lights in my crawlspace. I have 2 entrances to the crawlspace and need a switch at each location. The lights are linkable and each has the ability to plug into a receptacle. I have 5 15 amp receptacles planned for the 10 lights. What is the easiest and most economical way to achieve the 3 way wiring. I've tried searching the internet for diagrams and all I'm coming up with is to use 4 conductor cable or run wires in conduit, not interested in those approaches if possible. The 2 switches are about 20 feet from each other but are in separate "rooms" of the crawlspace. Crawlspace height is just under 6' high. Circuit will also run off a 15 amp dual function breaker. Thank you.

 

[Jim greengo]

Are the outlets going to be 1/2 switched?

 

[sparky 1971]

14/2 from the power source to the first switch. 14/3 from the first switch to the second switch. 14/2 from the second switch to all of the boxes for the lights. At both switches, wire nut or wago the neutrals together, you won't need them. The black wire from the 14/2 at both switches is the common and goes on the black screw. The other black and the red are the travellers and go on the brass colored screws. It doesn't matter which. There are other ways to do it, but a bit more complicated. You can use MC cable, emt, or pvc. I don't care if you run romex, which could be shoved through pvc fairly easily, but it's going to take that many wires.

The receptacles are supposed to be gfci protected, but they don't have to have afci. Try to find a gfci breaker instead of the dual function, afci protection is a joke and might just lead you to being in a dark crawlspace.

 

[Daveyclimber]

They won't be split

 

[Daveyclimber]

Thank you very much for that. I have plenty of 14/2 and 3 on hand. This was what my mind logically came up with minus the neutrals part. Can you elaborate on the reason of not needing the neutrals? I have never dealt with 3 way switches before and between these receptacles and several other 3 way lighting fixtures in the cabin it's been a confusing experience. I suppose once I sit down and start wiring it will make more sense than looking at pictures.

 

[sparky 1971]

Thank you very much for that. I have plenty of 14/2 and 3 on hand. This was what my mind logically came up with minus the neutrals part. Can you elaborate on the reason of not needing the neutrals? I have never dealt with 3 way switches before and between these receptacles and several other 3 way lighting fixtures in the cabin it's been a confusing experience. I suppose once I sit down and start wiring it will make more sense than looking at pictures.

All you are doing is carrying the neutrals through the switch boxes to get to the light. The other ways to do it will only have the neutral at one switch, but will still require a 14/3 between the two switches.

 

[Daveyclimber]

OK thank you

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

14-3 between all receptacle boxes
14-2 feed into first receptacle box
14-3 between 3way switches
14-2 from receptacle box to 3way box

red wire between receptacles will be switched
blk wire between receptacle boxes will be hot
wht wire between receptacle boxes will be neutral

CUT "shorting bar" on hot side of all receptacles so the bottom half will be switched

 

[mrobins297aaa]

Iirc this how I've done them.
Switches are in off position on diagram.
If either switch is flipped the lights will come on