Combining two sets of 3 way switches

DeWill · Dec 12, 2019

Greetings - I am seeking guidance on consolidating two sets of 3 way switches (4 switches) that control two separate lights. The builder/homeowner decided to install a switch at the top of the stairway and midway that controls a light at the top of the stairs. There's also a switch at the bottom of the stairs and midway that controls a light at the bottom of the stairs. With my limited knowledge I have been able to eliminate the two switches midway of the stairs but I am unable to get the switch at the top of the stair to control the light at the bottom of the stairs. I will attach a very poor illustration of what I have going on for better clarity. Please review and let me know this is even possible. The switch on the left is at the top of the stairs

PEG · Dec 12, 2019

So,are the midway switches,two intermediate switches?

The drawing and colours,could do with a tad of refinement

DeWill · Dec 12, 2019

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. The midway switches are regular 3 way. I have updated my pic, although it may be worse though... please forgive me.

DeWill · Dec 12, 2019

Okay made a collage of two pics from online. I want to eliminate the two middle switches and control the 2 lights with the switch switches at the top and bottom of the stairs only

PEG · Dec 12, 2019

Right then,so your drawing shows one light at the top of the stairs,with switches strapped at top and midway. It shows one light at the bottom,with switches at bottom and midway.

You show two feeds (sources),which will need attending to,as all lights and switching,will need to be from one fusing.

Your strappers going to each midway switches,will need to continue past each other,and end up at the top and bottom,to switch the lights at opposite ends.

Either way,you will need to run in more cables,including any additional earthing or grounding.

An alternative,would be to have the two midway switches join,and have one switch at the top and bottom,strapped to switch both lights on/off.

Megawatt · Dec 13, 2019

PEG said:
Right then,so your drawing shows one light at the top of the stairs,with switches strapped at top and midway. It shows one light at the bottom,with switches at bottom and midway.

You show two feeds (sources),which will need attending to,as all lights and switching,will need to be from one fusing.

Your strappers going to each midway switches,will need to continue past each other,and end up at the top and bottom,to switch the lights at opposite ends.

Either way,you will need to run in more cables,including any additional earthing or grounding.

An alternative,would be to have the two midway switches join,and have one switch at the top and bottom,strapped to switch both lights on/off.

It sounds like you have two 4 way switches. The middle ones just tie the wires together, when you open the middle ones you should have 4 wires so just make joints in the boxes and put a blank cover on them