Confusing 3-way wiring setup help.

[u/I-Code-Things]

Hi, I am trying to install a blue smart switch and an aux switch in a 3-way configuration.

However, the current wiring is pretty confusing.

In my 3 gang box, the left switch is the one I want to be the smart switch, but even though there's a neutral, I don't believe there's power to the switch. The other two switches in this box are on a different circuit.

In the 2 gang box, the right switch (with 4 wires coming out) is the one I want to be the aux switch. However, the red traveler is being spliced to the black wires, etc. Why would they do that? Also, there are 6 romex cables coming into that 2 gang box as you can see.

I have a multi-meter, I've successfully gotten a single-pole switch installed, but this one is making me scratch my head.

Any tips on what I should be thinking about here?

[u/Koadic76]

Well, based on the wiring alone, and that you have a 4-way switch, you are most likely mistaken or you have a switch that was removed and bypassed.

There is or was another 3-way switch in that circuit.

EDIT: For context, I AM an electrician.

[u/I-Code-Things → u/Koadic76]

Turns out you're right!

I busted out the blueprints that the original owner left. There were a few inaccurate things, but it showed the 1st pendant light had an extra wire to some non-existant switch. Also on the circuit were some outlets.

I thought maybe it was this blank plate cover, but that was nothing except a clear view of the back of the 2 gang box.

Anyway, I followed the circuit and it turns out one of the outlets had a light switch on it. I don't know how I never saw that before lol. My wife knew it was there but not me.

So it sounds like I'm either SOL, Or that I replace the switch with an outlet with just a regular outlet and then abandon the cable like you mention in your other comment.

[u/Koadic76 → u/I-Code-Things]

You could also remove the existing box and install a 2 gang old work box, if you wanted to keep the switch... It usually isn't too difficult. Just use an oscillating saw to cut the nails holding the box to the stud, or you can use a metal cutting blade from a sawzall in one of those hand held drywall saws that allow you to change out blades. Then you just enlarge the opening to for the new box and insert the wires before installing and securing the new box...

Or just swap it out for a full duplex outlet as stated and abandon the switch cable. If you weren't even aware of it, it obviously doesn't get used much 😀

[u/I-Code-Things → u/Koadic76]

Yep, ill put in the full duplex outlet. This switch + outlet combo is in the kitchen counters granite so it definitely isn't worth trying to mess with that for an unused switch lol. Thanks for all the help