Light - Light - Switch Wiring Question

[marklmorrison]

What is correct for wiring in this sequence?

Light - Light - Switch

I found the following diagram:

http://www.electrical-online.com/two...yoneswitch.htm

But, I don't need the two wires going out to the right for two more receptacles. If that is the case, do I need 12/3 wire between the lights?

Thank you in advance.

-mark

[kactuskid]

If supply power is coming into one of the lights first, then yes, you need to install 12/3 between the lights in order to be controlled by one switch. The switch is being wired in a switch loop fashion so the white wire is actually a hot wire and not a neutral wire. You'll need to mark it as so by coloring it at both ends using a black magic marker.

Here's another link that'll show you how to install this type of circuit.
http://www.danswiringpage.com/diagrams/sp_4lt_pfl.jpg

[marklmorrison]

Thank you. As you suggested, I would like to have the power go to one of the lights first to minimize the number of wires in the switch box. I have looked all over the internet for all of this information but had not found dan's page.

-mark

[kactuskid]

Is there a switch box already in use that has wires going into it? If there is then you'd only be adding a 12/2-g cable to wire it switch=light=light.

By wiring the switch as a switch loop instead just be aware that you will never be able to tap power from this switch as there will be no neutral wire available.

[marklmorrison]

Originally Posted by kactuskid

Is there a switch box already in use that has wires going into it? If there is then you'd only be adding a 12/2-g cable to wire it switch=light=light.

By wiring the switch as a switch loop instead just be aware that you will never be able to tap power from this switch as there will be no neutral wire available.

For these lights, I am adding a new switch box to my kitchen. However, I appreciate the warning about not being able to tap power from this switch in the future. I did not think of that ramification.

Thank you for all of your help.

[HayZee518]

Here's an "instant diagram for your wiring problem