The California 3-Way (Avoid This)

In this video I'll give you the history of the California 3-way switch method, how it's wired, how it works and why it's not longer code compliant. #sundaypartner #sunday #lawncare
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[@BackyardMaine]

Other Videos Here >> Chicago 3-Way -

[@gusmueller4413]

when i lived in San Diego with my massage therapist girlfriend, we had a California three-way with a nice Persian girl!

[@dhelton40]

At least this one doesn't swap polarity of the light socket, like the Chicago 3 way.

[@larsfrieser9792]

In Germany we call this "Sparwechselschaltung" which translates into something like "wire-saving 3-way switch circuit" and we do it by using conduits with 5 wires (Hot, Load, Common, Neutral, Earth) which go into every switchbox. This way we can add an "on" indicator light onto the switch and also add a receptacle next or down to every switch. I don't see how this method could possibly violate your code when using conduits with 5 wires instead of 3

[@clsanchez77]

My home was rewired in 2006 after Hurricane Katrina and had the California 3-ways throughout. Took some effort to fix these to upgrade the hone to smart switches.

[@boriscat1999]

Thanks for this. My old house in California had some confusing 3-way that I could never quite figure out. I suspect it was this. It was also connected with fabric-sheathed wire and I ended up disconnecting it and pulling modern wire (14/3 NM) to replace it all. More work in the end but probably the right move in the long run.

[@harveypaxton1232]

Every older home in Southern California with a detached garage was and many are still wired that way. The purpose was to have a connivence outlet in the garage and be able to control the garage light from the house. Also back then the wires were run overhead so it reduced the number of wires needed. Most of the time the neutral is in the switch box. The non-code compliant issue is no grounds.

[@user-gs6lp9ko1c]

Wow! Amazing the electrons don't get confused! 🙂 Thank you for the clear explanation!

[@tomweickmann6414]

Just replaced my first outdoor dual gf outlet.....guy who wired my house only left 4 inches of slack should be at least 6 inches .

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

A Trailer I worked on had a California 3-way Switch I had to rewire, it was such a pain to deal with but I did eventually get it to the standard setup. 🤦🏿

[@calebjamesdelisle6239]

Some years ago I independently had the idea of doing this and I actually really like it. Where it makes sense is when you have the panel at one end, a switch, a couple of lights, and then at the far end of the circuit a switch and an outlet.

[@tomg721]

Thanks for the visual description.

[@DA-vd6ce]

You have a great ability to explain these concepts. Nice work! Thank you

[@Sparky-ww5re]

Thanks for the heads up, in case I ever run across this wacky setup someday. And I thought it couldn't get any weirder than the Chicago 3 way. 😅

[@singincowboy]

Yep, this is how my house in Colorado is wired, it was very confusing when I rewired it and it didn't work. I figured it out, but man was that a pain!

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Brilliant but confusing! You made it make sense, John!

[@stevenpederson1645]

In your drawing at

[@ElectricRob]

Thanks for covering this - hadn't seen this approach used before! Kind of concerning to see a hot conductor alone - typically need the neutral or at least the other hot "return" conductor bundled in a cable to reduce the overall magnetic field (nothing there to cancel it out with a single conductor)!

[@thomasgilbert4131]

What a nightmare !! You explained it very well though and a good white board presentation also.

[@tadonplane8265]

I’m confused. The only things I can find in the codebook about multiway switching that would apply to California vs Chicago vs conventional three way circuits is as follows;