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3 way Light switches wired like a normal switch
Posted on 8/27/22 at 2:40 pm
Posted on 8/27/22 at 2:40 pm
Adding smart switches to the home. Several rooms have switched on both sides of the room so I ordered some 3 way smart switches.
Well I cracked open the switches and they appear to be wired on both sides just like a normal switch. They have a red and a black and a neutral and a ground.
I’ve not messed with 3 way switches much but shouldn’t there be 5 wires in a 3 way switch? If these are just normal outlets, What kind of witch craft am I dealing with.
Well I cracked open the switches and they appear to be wired on both sides just like a normal switch. They have a red and a black and a neutral and a ground.
I’ve not messed with 3 way switches much but shouldn’t there be 5 wires in a 3 way switch? If these are just normal outlets, What kind of witch craft am I dealing with.
7
Posted on 8/27/22 at 2:49 pm to jlovel7
quote:
They have a red and a black and a neutral and a ground.
That IS how a 3-way switch is wired. The red wire is the traveler which makes it a 3 way
Posted on 8/27/22 at 3:40 pm to MikeBRLA
Interesting. I got it all hooked up and power does go to it but when I turn the smart switch on, the lights start flashing and I can hear the smart switch clicking on and off. If I leave it off and use the other switch which is a dumb switch, no flashing.
Posted on 8/27/22 at 4:45 pm to jlovel7
Posted on 8/27/22 at 6:53 pm to jlovel7
Not sure you can retain the 3 way switch functionality with a smart switch. I know with mine I had to isolate the traveler wire and wire the smart switch like a 2 way. This was for a ceiling fan I replaced that had separate light and fan switches on one wall and a light switch on another wall.
Posted on 8/27/22 at 7:05 pm to jlovel7
I will add if you intend to use a dimmer on a 3 way circuit and have LED lights, you should only use the dimmer at one switch, not both. Ask me how I know… 
Posted on 8/27/22 at 7:44 pm to jlovel7
quote:
Well I cracked open the switches and they appear to be wired on both sides just like a normal switch. They have a red and a black and a neutral and a ground.
Did the switches not come with an instruction sheet or diagram on inside of box?
What kind of switch did you buy?
This post was edited on 8/27/22 at 7:45 pm
Posted on 8/27/22 at 10:04 pm to jlovel7
When wiring a smart switch to a 3 way circuit, you also need a smart switch on the slave switch or a “jumper” . It should be in the instructions. Good luck, it was a PIA the first go around for me.
Posted on 8/27/22 at 11:06 pm to StrikeIndicator
Not sure what brand you have but Kasa makes a 3 way kit with a “master” and “slave” 3 way dimmer switch. I have been using and replacing all of my switches in my home shop and rentals with these and I really like them.
Posted on 8/28/22 at 7:23 am to GeauxldMember
quote:that actually depends on the dimmer type, there are options for dimming on both ends
I will add if you intend to use a dimmer on a 3 way circuit and have LED lights, you should only use the dimmer at one switch, not both. Ask me how I know…
Posted on 8/28/22 at 9:39 am to jlovel7
Did you see my answer on tech board? lutron caseta dimmer switch on one and Pico remote in place of other switch.
Posted on 8/28/22 at 10:13 am to coonass27
I have issues with the smart 3 way switches. When I installed…, both switches has to be in a certain position for the other to work. How do I get them to work independently regardless of the other switches position?
Posted on 8/28/22 at 12:59 pm to coonass27
Lutron, I started in 2016. I bought the kasa switches this past year and love them. Sidenote: lightning struck my house and the only thing that went out were all my smart switches. I need to look into a surge protector for the house. My son didn’t know the light switch locations (6yrs old).
Posted on 8/28/22 at 5:58 pm to StrikeIndicator
quote:
When wiring a smart switch to a 3 way circuit, you also need a smart switch on the slave switch or a “jumper” . It should be in the instructions
So I installed a smart dimmer on one of the switches. The other switch has to be in the on position for the smart switch to operate. I haven’t troubleshooted yet.
You’re saying I have to install another smart switch on the second switch as well?
Posted on 8/29/22 at 6:10 am to jlovel7
Here is the Kasa 3 way smart dimmer kit you'd need if you went with the Kasa line. It is a master and slave configuration.
Kasa 230 Kit
Kasa 230 Kit
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