A wacky wall sconce install

[Kdog76]

Two wall sconces approx. 5' from each other. Turn switch located at the bottom of each. Operates much like a 3 way, as turning one on will turn the other on also. Works the same way from each sconce, however like a miswired 3-way it takes one to be switched a certain way to get it to work. Here's the catch, there's only a 2 - wire old ungrounded romex to each fixture box. Not sure, but my guess is it's wired in series somehow. Any thoughts?

 

[pjholguin]

a 3-way switch can function while only running two wire romex between the switches, you just have to have the right wiring to lamp and power in coming. I wouldn't do it that way but it can be done, but not a very professional way to have it done...IMHO.

PJHolguin

Two wall sconces approx. 5' from each other. Turn switch located at the bottom of each. Operates much like a 3 way, as turning one on will turn the other on also. Works the same way from each sconce, however like a miswired 3-way it takes one to be switched a certain way to get it to work. Here's the catch, there's only a 2 - wire old ungrounded romex to each fixture box. Not sure, but my guess is it's wired in series somehow. Any thoughts?

 

[GoldDigger]

a 3-way switch can function while only running two wire romex between the switches, you just have to have the right wiring to lamp and power in coming. I wouldn't do it that way but it can be done, but not a very professional way to have it done...IMHO.

PJHolguin

To expand on that:
Without even using three-way (SPDT) switches in the sconces, you could have the same branch hot going to both and a hot only or neutral and hot going through the 2-wire from one sconce to the other. That puts the bulbs themselves in parallel, and if both switches are on you have parallel conductors over different paths.
So either or both switches on the lights would light.

 

[DaveBowden]

I think that would mean more than just a 2 wire at each sconce.
Do they both go off when 1 lamp is removed?
Sounds like you need to find the junction box where each of the 2 wire cables originate and correct the wiring there. My guess is 3 splices in that j-box when there should only be 2.