Converting 3-way light switch to WeMo light switch
#1
10-19-16, 11:31 AM
Converting 3-way light switch to WeMo light switch
I am trying to do the same as in this old thread:
http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...ht-switch.html
I have a 3-way switch controlling my outside porch light. I want to replace the switch closest to the light (I'll call it switch B just for reference), with the WeMo light switch, and not the one further away by the garage (I'll call it switch A)
I have a few questions :
1) Do I need to disconnect all the wires from switch A since it cannot be used after WeMo replaces switch B, or can I leave the switch taped to prevent usage?
2) If all wires from switch A are disconnected, is connecting the WeMo in place of switch B a easy fix (ie. as explained in the product's directions for installation - white to white, blacks to black and ground to ground)?
3) Before turning off the breaker, should switch B be in the "on" position when I connect the WeMo switch?
These are some of the questions that popped in my head as I read the thread. I have attached a picture of switch B.
Many thanks!
http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...ht-switch.html
I have a 3-way switch controlling my outside porch light. I want to replace the switch closest to the light (I'll call it switch B just for reference), with the WeMo light switch, and not the one further away by the garage (I'll call it switch A)
I have a few questions :
1) Do I need to disconnect all the wires from switch A since it cannot be used after WeMo replaces switch B, or can I leave the switch taped to prevent usage?
2) If all wires from switch A are disconnected, is connecting the WeMo in place of switch B a easy fix (ie. as explained in the product's directions for installation - white to white, blacks to black and ground to ground)?
3) Before turning off the breaker, should switch B be in the "on" position when I connect the WeMo switch?
These are some of the questions that popped in my head as I read the thread. I have attached a picture of switch B.
Many thanks!
#2
10-19-16, 01:00 PM
Group Moderator
Welcome to the forums.
I see your 3w switch in the picture. What do you have for cables in that box ?
I see what looks a two wire cable with the white wire chopped off.
Most of those switches require a neutral and from what I see you may not have one there.
I'm going to guess you have 2) two wire cables as I don't see any red wires.
I may need to see the wiring at the other end too.
I see your 3w switch in the picture. What do you have for cables in that box ?
I see what looks a two wire cable with the white wire chopped off.
Most of those switches require a neutral and from what I see you may not have one there.
I'm going to guess you have 2) two wire cables as I don't see any red wires.
I may need to see the wiring at the other end too.
#5
10-21-16, 09:22 AM
Group Moderator
You have two black wires and one white wire on the B switch. When you remove that switch to install the WeMo switch..... identify the black wire that is on the black screw. That's important. Put some colored tape on it.
The black wire on the black screw is the light connection.
The other black and white will be removed from the switch and combined. This is the hot connection.
The neutral is the white connection with the four white wires in the wirenut.
With the white and black combined.... switch A can be left untouched. The light will work with the switch in either position.
The black wire on the black screw is the light connection.
The other black and white will be removed from the switch and combined. This is the hot connection.
The neutral is the white connection with the four white wires in the wirenut.
With the white and black combined.... switch A can be left untouched. The light will work with the switch in either position.
#6
10-21-16, 02:07 PM
Thank you. I notice that on the WeMo, there are 2 black wires, one white and 1 green.
So, I connect:
1) The black wire from the black screw (switch B) to one of the black wires from WeMo.
2) Combine the remaining black wire and the white wire (switch B)
3) The 4 white wires (in the wirenut) to 1 white wire from WeMo?
4) Also, what do I connect to the remaining black wire and green wire from WeMo?
I apologize if I am being repetitive. I am trying to make sure I don't start a fire.
Attaching a picture of WeMo:
So, I connect:
1) The black wire from the black screw (switch B) to one of the black wires from WeMo.
2) Combine the remaining black wire and the white wire (switch B)
3) The 4 white wires (in the wirenut) to 1 white wire from WeMo?
4) Also, what do I connect to the remaining black wire and green wire from WeMo?
I apologize if I am being repetitive. I am trying to make sure I don't start a fire.
Attaching a picture of WeMo:
Last edited by PJmax; 10-21-16 at 02:21 PM. Reason: labled picture
#7
10-21-16, 02:22 PM
Group Moderator
