I have a single pole switch with 4 lights, that I want to replace with a 3-way switch. Power currently runs to the switch. I don't have a way (without drilling a lot of holes, which is really not an option) to run 14/3 wire to the desired location for the 2nd switch. Is it possible to add the other 3-way switch to the end of the light run without rewiring all the lights with 14/3. What would that wiring scenario look like? If not feasible, what are my other options?
Switch – Replace single-pole switch with 3-way and add additional 3-way switch. Non-conventional solution needed
switch
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Best Answer
Smart Switches to the Rescue
There are a lot of different smart switches available as solutions. The methods I know of to handle "3 way" switching with smart switches are:
This works well if you have existing 3-way switches but want additional features such as multi-location dimming or remote control. Does not help you
Some smart switches can use regular wiring in a more flexible way by sending signals over the wiring instead of simply switching between wires. That might help you here, if you can run a cable from the other end of the lights (which it sounds like you may be able to do), this may be an option.
Note that this does not necessarily mean WiFi. There are a number of different wireless systems available. A typical smart switch system that includes WiFi capability may have the WiFi part connected only to one "main" switch with the other switches "talking" to the main switch via a different protocol. So security is a concern but you may not actually need to connect your switches to a potentially vulnerable WiFi network in order to get wireless capability.
The big advantage of the 2nd switch being wireless is no wires to run, at all!. The disadvantage, of course, is the need to change a battery periodically. But modern devices are incredibly low power and your particular situation sounds ideal for this solution.
There are plenty of choices. One example (I have no connection to the company in any way) is Lutron Caseta. According to the FAQ page, the Pico remotes are designed to last 10 years on a single battery.
Be careful though - make sure anything you get is UL Listed (or equivalent). While the remotes are harmless, the "main" switch will be hooked up to 120V (US) or 240V (elsewhere) and you don't want to take chances on "substandard" items.