electricalwiring
I have the below cable in my garage and I am not clear if it is a two or a three wire cable. I was convinced it is a two wire but after researching I am now seeing it could be a three.
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Here is the picture that confirms the presence of the ground wire:
Have you considered a remote for the house end of the garage hookup? I'm thinking a z-wave controllable light switch or something in the garage, and a remote control in the house. That way you can ignore the 12/3 romex and weird wiring (of that part of the circuit) and get on with your day.
I'm unclear whether it's allowed by code (especially with the colors you have), but with 3 wires, you've got enough for a single 30 amp circuit - ground, neutral and hot. Is that enough for the garage? That would at least be safe.
Based on my understanding of what you have described, I believe you are dealing with a dead-end 3-way switch setup with what is known as an extended switch leg. Translation: all junctions are made in the first 3-way switch box.
Your questions/guesses on how to wire it are not exactly clear. I recommend following this wiring diagram. Please clarify if this wiring diagram does not apply to what you have described.
Best Answer
The most common type of cable used in houses is technically known as NMD 90 (Non-Metallic Dry service cable rated at maximum of 90 degrees Celsius). It is usually a plastic white covered cable. This cable comes with two or more conductors and includes a ground wire (bare wire). Your cable has 2 conductors and a ground.