# 3 way switch in hallway **URL:** \ **Category:** Electrical Inspections\ **Created:** [October 5, 2020, 2:30pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/3-way-switch-in-hallway/173486 "2020-10-05T14:30:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![slord](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f19dbf/32.png) [@slord](https://forum.nachi.org/u/slord)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2020, 1:41am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/3-way-switch-in-hallway/173486/21 "2020-11-04T01:41:39Z")
Most people would run 2 wires to light switches power source to the light. Now you have to run power source to switch box or run a neutral from light to the switch. The presence of a neutral in case you want to run a dimmer or what not is not the issue its just having to run it there even if not needed. Just have to use more wires or use 3 wire. ---
**Author:** ![rmeier2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rmeier2/32/59909_2.png) [@rmeier2](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rmeier2)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2020, 1:48am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/3-way-switch-in-hallway/173486/22 "2020-11-04T01:48:47Z")
> [@slord](#): > > Most people would run 2 wires to light switches power source to the light. Now you have to run power source to switch box or run a neutral from light to the switch. > The presence of a neutral in case you want to run a dimmer or what not is not the issue its just having to run it there even if not needed. > Just have to use more wires or use 3 wire You’re correct you would need to run a 3-wire to the switch if the power is at the light fixture. Not much of a difference with the exception of an extra conductor in the cable. I’ve been installing WiFi switches in my house and many switch locations lack a neutral which means that the switch has to be re-wired which often isn’t very easy. ---
**Author:** ![slord](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f19dbf/32.png) [@slord](https://forum.nachi.org/u/slord)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2020, 1:52am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/3-way-switch-in-hallway/173486/23 "2020-11-04T01:52:28Z")
Yep. I have a 4 way switch dilemma at a stairway and am deciding whether to do the 4 way or just 1 at top 1 at bottom of stairs. I was planning a 4 way at a separate light switch on wall with the room lights. I may refer to keep it simple stupid. I don’t like the idea of a motion detector for the stairs. Don’t mind running 3 wire or even 4 wires just always try to be as efficient as possible. ---
**Author:** ![jolson81](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jolson81/32/58542_2.png) [@jolson81](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jolson81)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2020, 4:29pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/3-way-switch-in-hallway/173486/24 "2020-11-05T16:29:54Z")
If it’s a government job they would put two light fixtures over the stairs and 2 switches at the top and 2 switches at the bottom of the stairs. Problem solved. ---
**Author:** ![lkage](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/lkage/32/347658_2.png) [@lkage](https://forum.nachi.org/u/lkage)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2020, 7:52pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/3-way-switch-in-hallway/173486/25 "2020-11-05T19:52:04Z")
> [@jolson81](#): > > If it’s a government job they would put two light fixtures over the stairs and 2 switches at the top and 2 switches at the bottom of the stairs. Problem solved **“Exercise”** problem solved. LOL! ---
**Author:** ![dmattoon](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/dmattoon/32/171128_2.png) [@dmattoon](https://forum.nachi.org/u/dmattoon)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2020, 6:59pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/3-way-switch-in-hallway/173486/26 "2020-11-06T18:59:46Z")
Just need a hook on the wall at each level to hang a head lamp on. Problem solved. ---
**Author:** ![jphillips25](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jphillips25/32/179328_2.png) [@jphillips25](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jphillips25)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2021, 2:41am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/3-way-switch-in-hallway/173486/27 "2021-01-29T02:41:04Z")
NEC 210.70(A)(2)(3) _Where one or more lighting outlet(s) are installed for interior stairways, there shall be a wall switch at each floor level, and landing level that includes an entryway, to control the lighting outlet(s) where the stairway between floor levels has six risers or more._ [Previous page](https://forum.nachi.org/t/3-way-switch-in-hallway/173486.md?page=1)