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Replacing legacy 3-way switches with single WS100+/WS100+/GE26931

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    Replacing legacy 3-way switches with single WS100+/WS100+/GE26931

    Guys

    Just wanting some quick validation here. I have another somewhat annoying wiring situation in my garage. I have an old school 3-way setup, with the primary switch location having the 14/2 line input and 14/3 output at the front of the garage. We NEVER use this switch.

    At the other end of the garage, I have the location 2 switch where we enter the house. This only has a single 14/3 cable with nothing else close by.

    I think it's wired with the classic light in the middle scenario like Diag. 1, though I will definitely head up into the garage loft to check that before proceeding.

    I am going to replace the location 2 switch with a GE26931 Z+ Motion Switch, which typically wires the same as the HS switches and other GE switches. I can't replace the location 1 switch as that is frequently obscured and it won't trip on the motion sensor. To implement the 3-way with the new switch I would need 4 conductors + ground at location 2 and I don't have that.

    My thinking therefore is to remove the location 1 switch entirely and let the motion sensor do it's job from location 2. That means I don't need a traveller and I should be able to re-jig the existing wiring so that I have line/load/neutral at location 2.

    Diag. 2 shows what I think I need to do. I will flip the red/black in real life - the diagram was easier to modify this way!

    Of course, I may find that this is wired completely differently when I get to the light fittings, but if not, any thoughts on this solution?

    Cheers
    James
    Attached Files
    cheeryfool

    #2
    Originally posted by cheeryfool View Post
    Guys

    Just wanting some quick validation here. I have another somewhat annoying wiring situation in my garage. I have an old school 3-way setup, with the primary switch location having the 14/2 line input and 14/3 output at the front of the garage. We NEVER use this switch.

    At the other end of the garage, I have the location 2 switch where we enter the house. This only has a single 14/3 cable with nothing else close by.

    I think it's wired with the classic light in the middle scenario like Diag. 1, though I will definitely head up into the garage loft to check that before proceeding.

    I am going to replace the location 2 switch with a GE26931 Z+ Motion Switch, which typically wires the same as the HS switches and other GE switches. I can't replace the location 1 switch as that is frequently obscured and it won't trip on the motion sensor. To implement the 3-way with the new switch I would need 4 conductors + ground at location 2 and I don't have that.

    My thinking therefore is to remove the location 1 switch entirely and let the motion sensor do it's job from location 2. That means I don't need a traveller and I should be able to re-jig the existing wiring so that I have line/load/neutral at location 2.

    Diag. 2 shows what I think I need to do. I will flip the red/black in real life - the diagram was easier to modify this way!

    Of course, I may find that this is wired completely differently when I get to the light fittings, but if not, any thoughts on this solution?

    Cheers
    James
    Your diagram 2 is correct, if that is how the 2 switchboxes are wired. Then just put a blank cover on switch location 1.
    HS4 Pro, 4.2.19.0 Windows 10 pro, Supermicro LP Xeon

    Comment


      #3
      Originally posted by rprade View Post
      Your diagram 2 is correct, if that is how the 2 switchboxes are wired. Then just put a blank cover on switch location 1.
      Thanks Randy.

      Time for a trip to the garage loft - my favourite place on the whole property - NOT!
      cheeryfool

      Comment


        #4
        The garage loft reccy confirms 12/3 line from switch location one to load one, to load 2, to switch location two. I haven't done the phase 2 exploration up a 12 foot ladder yet, but I think this new diagram will be where I end up. I changed the line over to black and am now using red for the load.
        Attached Files
        cheeryfool

        Comment

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