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rdatlanta
Starting Member
10 Posts |
 Posted - 04/25/2012 : 06:36:53 AM
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Hello:
I have a situation where I would like to install a 3-way switch (two switches controlling one light fixture) in existing construction.
One of the switch locations has a single pole switch in it and a standard 12/2 wire to it. It would be a major operation to get the wire out and replace it with 12/3. However, I can get at the 12/2 wire (and all the rest of the wiring) in the basement below.
Is there any kind of box or simple gadget on the market that I could install that would effectively act as a relay ie: throwing the single pole switch would cause a 3-way switch to throw?
Thanks
rdatlanta |
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stusviews
Advanced Member
USA
8517 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2012 : 11:35:45 AM
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Yes. You can use Insteon devices. Which particular devices you'll need depends on the wiring at each of the switches. You already described one location. If that's the switch that controls the load, you'll need a KepadLinc or SwitchLinc to replace that switch, an In-LineLinc at the fixture, and at least one other device at the second switch location.
Describe the wiring and what each switch controls now and your end goal. |
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rdatlanta
Starting Member
10 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2012 : 12:26:28 PM
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One switch has 12/2 running to it (as described)
The other switch has 12/3 running to it.
The light fitting has 12/2 running to it.
All other connections and power source are in the basement below, so I can otherwise wire it in whatever way is easiest.
Current wiring route is:
Power (12/2) -> Junction box (basement) -> switch (12/3) -> back to same junction box -> Light fitting (12/2).
(The switch in the configuration above is currently a single pole switch and one of the wires is unused. I had the foresight to run 12/3 to it, but forgot to do the same to the other potential switch location).
My end goal is a standard 3-way switch configuration (at least to the user) of two different switches controlling the same light, being able to turn it on/off from either switch. Behind the scenes, I'm just wanting to achieve that in a simple and economical manner.
Thanks
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stusviews
Advanced Member
USA
8517 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2012 : 1:55:07 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by rdatlanta
Current wiring route is:
Power (12/2) -> Junction box (basement) -> switch (12/3) -> back to same junction box -> Light fitting (12/2).
The routing shows only one switch.
1. Does it continue from the fixture to the other switch that has only two conductors?
2. Do you have two conductors between the fixture and junction box as indicated?
3. What is the wiring at the fixture? |
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rdatlanta
Starting Member
10 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2012 : 2:49:29 PM
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The wiring route shown is the current route. I'm not sure how to draw a proposed route with just text, so I'll try and describe it again better:
One switch has three wires (black/white/red) running to it.
The other switch has two wires (black/white) running to it
Fixture has two wires (black/white) running to it.
All wires and power supply converge on central junction box which can be wired any way.
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stusviews
Advanced Member
USA
8517 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2012 : 3:20:09 PM
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Easy.
At the switch box with 12/3:
Install a SwitchLinc Relay or Dimmer, depending on the load and whether you want dimming (if the load is dimmable). Provide line (black) and neutral (white). Connect the 12/3 red to the SwitchLinc red.
At the switch box with 12/2:
Provide line (black) and neutral (white). Cap the SwitchLinc red wire.
At the junction box:
Connect all the white wires together (I believe that there are four wires.).
Connect power black to each switch box black (three wires).
Connect the 12/3 red to the light fixture black.
Test and link:
At the switch with the 12/3, ensure that you can control the light. If you can, link the 12/2 switch to the 12/3 switch (Insteon links are created by holding down buttons on the switch). Finally, link the 12/3 switch to the 12/2 switch. Viola, virtual 3-way! |
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rdatlanta
Starting Member
10 Posts |
Posted - 04/26/2012 : 2:16:58 PM
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Okay, great. I'll have a go at it.
Thank you very much! |
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rdatlanta
Starting Member
10 Posts |
Posted - 04/26/2012 : 2:48:51 PM
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Okay, checked out that solution with the switchlincs which I think will work, and also found other :eviton products: Leviton VP0SR-1LZ Vizia + 120VAC Matching Switch Remote to 120VAC Dimmers/Fan Speed Control and VPS15-1L which would likely do the same thing.
However, there's a problem with both of the these products which is that they appear to only come in the "decora" style switches. The switches I am currently using are the more traditional style switches with a toggle switch that sticks out half an inch, and they are in banks of other similar switches.
Do the switchlinks come with a more traditional type switch or can they be converted to that? I don't see anything obvious from searches on smarthome or on amazon.
Thanks |
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jdale
Advanced Member
USA
1019 Posts |
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stusviews
Advanced Member
USA
8517 Posts |
Posted - 04/26/2012 : 3:50:57 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by rdatlanta
Okay, checked out that solution with the switchlincs which I think will work, and also found other :eviton products: Leviton VP0SR-1LZ Vizia + 120VAC Matching Switch Remote to 120VAC Dimmers/Fan Speed Control and VPS15-1L which would likely do the same thing.
Those other solutions require three wires at each switch location. |
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rdatlanta
Starting Member
10 Posts |
Posted - 04/26/2012 : 8:48:30 PM
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Okay, great.
Sometimes it seems like you can find almost anything you need these days IF you know the right name to search on.
Many thanks
rdatlanta |
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Topic |
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3-way circuit with single pole switch
