How do residential electricians approach wiring a three-phase motor in a home setting?
Asked by Andrés Vela 
4 months ago
Last Updated: August 7, 2024
So when residential electricians are installing a three-phase motor…
I do both, they’re both straightforward. Electricians that don’t handle industrial, commercial, and residential are convinced it’s different, but it’s all the same stuff.
Definitely agrees.
I’m in the industrial zone, ready to bend some conduit. If you want to join me, bring a beer and get ready to have a good time. Three ways to do it, so not too shabby!
Electricity is basically the same, it just flows through different switches.
It’s really simple. Everything is just a switch.
I’ve also worked as an industrial electrician and still use some of those skills even though I currently work as a service engineer. I’m not sure if I’ve ever bent conduit anywhere other than my own house (plastic conduit). And I can’t understand how wiring a 3-way switch could be difficult for any electrician, especially for an industrial one. Industrials wire lots of CO relays in series and wire the 3-way switches in offices as well.
I totally get what you mean! I have a complex system in my house that is controlled by PLCs and connected to my SCADA system. It’s like your three-way switch is similar to my vacuum furnace, with all the sensors and controllers feeding product to the conveyors for the robots to sort. 😂😂
Residential work is what we start with in the first year. The more skilled folks move on to commercial and industrial projects.
Someone once told me that everything is either a switch or a receptacle. It completely changed my perspective when I first started out.
Have you ever watched a residential electrician try to troubleshoot PLCs?
The most intelligent individuals often become self-employed 😉
If they can’t handle either, can they really call themselves electricians?
More like residential electricians when installing a ceiling fan with a remote 🙄
And you’re aware that most of them can do it in their sleep at this point
Well, from what I’ve observed, my experience tells me otherwise.
So are you trying to say a residential electrician is unable to install a ceiling fan when they do it in literally every bedroom and living room of each house they construct? Does that make sense to you?
Oh I’m sure YOU can. The individuals who wired my house certainly couldn’t. The lack of journeyman who can’t utilize a meter or understand drawings is worrisome.
Just like the number of journeyman who struggle with troubleshooting is concerning… They focus on running pipes and pulling wires, that’s their main experience… residential electricians deal with ceiling fans daily
I don’t know where you live or work, but in Minnesota commercial and industrial electricians can do that, bend conduit, work with PLCs, controls, process control on Taconite plants, controls on conveyors, handle services over 2000 amps, troubleshoot a high rise and hospital…..and yes we can pull wires and wire 3 & 4 way switches. IBEW #292 & USW 1074
I’m up in a tall hospital in Nashville.
I doubt any of you can change this light bulb… 😂
Hey guys, can you do this for me?
I’m telling you, is determined to conquer that mountain.
He’s only saying that because he feels inferior to commercial electricians so he’s taking a jab at us. All us commercial electricians look down on those who only work with ropes. The largest piece of equipment I’ve seen in a house is a whole home generator. But I consider myself a commercial electrician and I can wire a three-way switch in various ways. For instance, I can switch and feed it from the same box. Run through multiple 4 ways, etc. If you’re an electrician, you should be able to wire anything.
Unfortunately, many individuals lack troubleshooting skills in the commercial field. Some commercial electricians end up only doing installations because they never had the opportunity to develop those skills. Residential electricians bend conduit, work with three-phase systems, and handle similar tasks as the average commercial electrician… industrial work is a whole different ball game lol
I’m curious where people got the idea that three-way switches aren’t used in commercial settings…
I mostly work on low voltage and home theater installations, but I can handle both tasks 😂
I actually learned all my troubleshooting skills from working on cars (I’m a mechanic too). It’s surprising how many people struggle with using a multimeter for anything other than checking continuity.
I know a friend who has a $500 fluke that can’t do anything except check continuity.
Hey, , there are probably at least three ways in commercial.
A lot more things are becoming automated these days, so traditional methods are slowly disappearing in the commercial sector.
I’ve noticed that BAS systems are usually only found in bigger commercial buildings. Smaller commercial buildings typically don’t have them. But for someone who is used to working with automation systems, 3-way switches are pretty straightforward to understand. These folks are usually familiar with using relays, which is a similar concept to using 3-ways.
A 4-way switch is basically like having an extra switch in between the three-ways.
Hey there, , how’s it going?
Now has room controllers with occupancy sensors and dimmer switches. It’s so easy to use – just plug and go! Loving it.
In my area, most jurisdictions require oxygen sensors and light sensors.
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It’s no easy task, which is why not many people can do it all. Personally, I enjoy watching someone tackle an auto transformer starter. It’s truly impressive. Only about 1 in a 1000 can both build and troubleshoot them successfully.
Actually, Frank, it’s a 4-way switch.
I may not be a professional electrician, but I can wire anything according to code and ensure it passes inspection.
There are different levels of electricians out there – I happened to be a Coal Face Engineering Technician Class1. If you weren’t specifically trained in this area, most electricians wouldn’t know where to begin.
I have to say, ever since they switched to LED area lighting, it’s been really difficult for me to troubleshoot dropped phases in parking lots. Without ballasts to compare phase to phase, it’s a real challenge.
Is hesitant to go on a commercial job site because it makes them feel scared.
Delta why (wye)?
Any commercial dudes out there waiting for a tax-free side hustle opportunity?
If an electrician finds wiring a 3-way switch challenging, they may want to rethink their career path.
I think that’s the running joke with the 3 phase motor, right ?
Worsa, the ongoing debate of wye-delta vs. part winding really gets them going.
Electricians are skilled in wiring, whether it’s for commercial, industrial, or residential projects. They might not be as familiar with residential codes or production, but they can still wire a 3-way switch.
Eorge Rogato electrician is not an electrician for every situation. Some lack knowledge of power distribution and others lack knowledge of controls. I am a master with 48 years of experience. It has been 20 years since I last wired a light fixture. I always instruct the apprentice to handle it. It’s not that I can’t do it. I choose not to.
I know a lot of commercial electricians who often get mixed up.
I bet commercial electricians are clueless about what a broom is too. 🤠
I rely on Matthew, Matteo, and Brian Barker. They are the ones the plumbers and carpenters turn to.
Sure, please provide the text you would like me to rephrase.
Oh, that pesky traveler!
Your three wire setup is quite simple, almost like child’s play. Silly.
Electrician specializing in residential projects over 200 amps
That’s setting the bar pretty low.
Farmer’s three-way. Someone will have to stump. All of you.
Hey , it’s simply a reverse switch leg 3 way…
Is all about the neural. Switch it up.
Hey , you should stick with neutrals.
‘t forget California or Chicago in three different ways!
You can actually use a 2-wire setup as a switch leg, with the black wire bringing power down and the white wire returning it to the light. All connections are typically made at the light fixture. It’s like a reverse switch leg. Many older houses in this area are wired that way
I’ve come across the neutral switch in various locations as well
Residential folks are convinced a peckerhead is just a playful nickname from us.
As commercial electricians, we are well-versed in navigating long hallways with numerous exits and handling 3 and 4 wire switches. Did you know that the term ‘3 way’ is actually inaccurate? The old 3 wire switches were simply labeled as 3W, causing confusion for many.
Keep an eye out for Omar Soto!
Residential work is definitely more challenging compared to commercial and industrial projects. I focus on commercial and industrial jobs because I find residential work to be too difficult.
You’re spot on! Residential customers are always watching their expenses closely since it’s their hard-earned money. On the other hand, commercial customers see it as a necessary part of doing business. They typically just send the bill to their corporate office, where the company’s money covers the cost – usually as a tax write-off.
I’ve found a way to manage lights from different parts of the house using wireless remote control Decora switches. No more need for three-way or four-way wiring!
Walsh is a Bruins fan, Sean.
Who cares about wiring a three-way or four-way switch when you know how to program a PLC?
Engis onzalez why would anyone need a plc when they have alexa
Engis onzalez is plc used in your household?
Hey, I could say yes or no, and you’ll never know the truth. Let’s just keep it light-hearted.
Engis onzalez do you require lighting in the control room?
I utilize plc control for lighting and monitoring doors.
Both are a piece of cake haha, the 3 phase motor is a bit simpler though with the diagram or at least the wire numbers on the motor
Shared about dealing with a 12 wire motor without numbers – it’s not as hard as it seems! Just stay focused and follow the process.
Has tried it out, haha mostly worked on 9 wire systems which are simpler, haha
Is this a three-way or four-way?
That’s a forgotten sketch by Leonardo da Vinci.
Is it possible that might be the one to spend that much money just to turn on a light?
Our boilers had several second permissives that were causing us trouble. There was never enough time to check the switch posts with a meter to see what went wrong before they shut down.
I really wish you’d stop oversimplifying everything!
Most likely an intermittently flowing switch
Let’s chat about Snap On Tools, Milwaukee, and DeWalt Tools on the forum.
If three-ways are not your thing, what about four-ways?
Uh oh, dealing with a 4-way switch must really throw you off.
Why do people make a big deal out of 3 way switches compared to single pole switches haha.
The only lighting that might give a licensed electrician pause is a lighting control panel filled with cube relays. Everything else is basic and should be mastered by the second year.
How about getting one of them to wire a dual coil rib relay?
A few years back in 1982, I was a brand new Foreman for the IBEW Union Electricians on a big industrial project producing raw cement. The company had a set deadline for the job to be completed. To meet this deadline, the contractor rapidly increased the workforce from 40 Electricians to over 200 in just a couple of weeks. They were hiring pretty much anyone willing and able. I was assigned to the Burner Building for lighting. I brought in a couple of new guys to help with pulling wire and installing lights. I gave them prints, pointed out where the wire and fixtures were, and left them to it, assuming they knew what they were doing. I had bigger tasks to focus on, like managing a crew of ten men working with Rigid Conduit. Two days later, I checked in on their progress and found out they were struggling with the circuit numbers for the lights due to their lack of experience with 3 phase 480 volt lighting and color
Sounds good to me
All of this is straightforward… these memes are silly… if you struggle with wiring a 3-way switch, maybe you should consider a different job… if you can’t wire a 3-phase motor, you should definitely consider a different job.
Two wires connect it, three wires mess it up.
If you work as an electrician and struggle with wiring a three-way switch, then maybe being an electrician isn’t your thing. Maybe stick to framing.
But hey, none of you can figure out how to change this light bulb… 😂
I used to be like when I was young – taking risks without a care in the world. But once you reach a certain age, like after 50 feet, the consequences of falling become more serious.
46, still gets the job done.
Lexy Olsen
When electricians check out a control schematic, they’re on it like a hawk.
You shouldn’t claim to be an electrician unless you can handle any task.
Did you know that commercial electricians frequently install 3-way switches?
Provide them with a DOL starter and get ready to see their minds blown! 😉🤯
It may seem simple, but beginners often struggle with this!
Industrial Electricians – boring.
Feeling triggered.
I enjoy when asked whether the phases need to be switched around.
Electrician: someone who knows their stuff when it comes to anything electrical.
My license doesn’t narrow down the type of electrician I am, I handle it all. That’s what being an electrician is all about.
Only non-electrician jerks argue about residential versus commercial. You’re not even qualified to carry my tools.
If you don’t have the expertise to handle online baker testing for switchgear and controllers, you may have overestimated your skills. We all have our own areas of expertise.
So, just like doctors need to become medical doctors before specializing, I had to switch gears and do testing. The only qualification required, besides being an “electrician,” was knowing how to operate the testing console. It wasn’t a big deal. I’ve pretty much done it all.
Hey Santiago, you’re my hero! Do you know what Baker testing really does with that wrong answer? Better look it up, sparky.
So, no response? What about doing double testing? Working on rebuilding 4KV breakers? If you don’t have the qualifications, you can’t work on it.
Don’t overcomplicate things. It is what it is.
Hey, don’t act like you’re the best in the electrical world. If you really knew, you would have answered correctly. Baker Testing focuses on testing motors and generators for things like sine wave uniformity, broken laminations, and insulation quality. I could claim I know how to bend conduit, but it’s been years since I’ve done any bending in training, and I couldn’t even bend a saddle if I tried. No one likes a know-it-all.
That’s not how we handle it, nuclear ✈️
Both options are fine. 👍
Conduit runner getting upset and posting
It’s basically the identical stuff.
Can I earn extra points for doing both tasks?
“LOL”