3-way Switch wiring!

5 years ago

Hi all,

I am stuck in something which supposed to be very simple- Photo is attached! I appreciate your help.

I am changing an old switch to sensor detector switch. I connected these wires in all possible scenarios - based on their color, hot or load , etc. didn't work. AC Voltage detector beeps on red wire and also white. What am I missing here?

BR.

Featured Answer

greg_2015

5 years ago

You could probably get rid of the other switch and make this the only thing that controls the light.

But it will take time to understand how all of the wiring is running and how everything is connected. You'll need a good tester (not a non-contact tester) and some patience to figure it out.

I'm sure we'd be able to help you out, if you want to spend the time.

But you can't just randomly hook up wires and hope for the best and if it works then it's right and if it doesn't then it's wrong. Just because something works doesn't mean it's done properly and safely. With electricity, you need to understand what's going on and know that what you are doing is correct before you do it.

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Comments (10)

Farhad Shiri
Original Author
5 years ago
This is how old wiring looked like
mtvhike
5 years ago
Those voltage detectors often give false positives. Get something like this and put a regular incandescent lamp in it.
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greg_2015
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
The old switch didn't require a neutral. The motion detector does since it's a electronic device instead of just something that breaks the connection on the hot.

What was the black wire attached to that is just dangling in your second picture?

Is the motion detector a three way device?!? Or are you also trying to convert this to be just controlled only by the motion detector and you are getting rid of the other switch that isn't pictured? If it's the latter, have you removed that switch? What did you do at the box there?
Farhad Shiri thanked greg_2015
formulaross20
5 years ago
Your title refers to a 3-way switch, but is the new motion sensor switch designed for 3-way use? Your house wiring looks correct for a 3-way circuit - a 3 conductor cable with 2 travelers and a neutral, and a 2 conductor cable (either power in to the circuit or power out to the light fixture) with a neutral.

What confuses me is this:

The new switch needs a hot (black) and neutral (white) line to power the electronics in the switch itself (the electronics remain powered while the switch s off). A 3-way switch also would have 2 more wires (travelers) to go between switches (your red wire and what wire??). That totals up to 4 wires coming out of the switch (plus ground) but your switch only has 3. It looks like you have a normal switch and not a 3-way motion sensing switch.
Farhad Shiri thanked formulaross20
greg_2015
5 years ago
Thinking about it more, can a motion detector even BE a three way device? I'm having a hard time picturing how that would even work.
Farhad Shiri thanked greg_2015
Farhad Shiri
Original Author
5 years ago
@greg_2015 @formulaross20 Much appreciated for taking time to respond. I contacted the manufacturer and they said "this motion sensor switch will not work in a 3-way scenario, that is probably why you are unable to get the switch operating properly". They said the switch needs to be connected directly to the power, load neutral and ground.

The black wire hanging there is the one which went to basement staircase which was renovated recently, and rewired. Now the staircase has its own wires.

My assumption is this current wiring is 3-way, and the switch is not, and that's why it is not working. But is there any solution for it?
mtvhike
5 years ago
Doesn't the building code require a 3-way switch pair at the top and bottom of stairs?
greg_2015
5 years ago
Ya, I didn't really understand this part:

The black wire hanging there is the one which went to basement staircase which was renovated recently, and rewired. Now the staircase has its own wires.

If that black wire wasn't hooked up to the 3-way switch, then this wasn't a 3-way situation. There aren't enough wires.

If you are trying to replace 3 way switches at the top and bottom of stairs with a motion detector, that's probably not allowed.
wdccruise
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
"I contacted the manufacturer and they said 'this motion sensor switch will not work in a 3-way scenario, that is probably why you are unable to get the switch operating properly'. They said the switch needs to be connected directly to the power, load neutral and ground."

The Lutron MSCL-OP153MH-WH will work with a 3-way switch and does not require a neutral wire. You must also rewire the 3-way switch. Here's how to connect it to a 3-way switch (instructions are also included with the dimmer).

P.S. my electrical box is wired exactly like yours is.