3way circuit, motion sensor light switch, some shenanigans
#1
11-26-17, 06:22 PM
3way circuit, motion sensor light switch, some shenanigans
Hi all, new user here.
(US wiring here)
I've got a more complicated project in mind, but for now, I'm running into issues with a simpler problem. I'm putting a motion sensing light switch into a 3way circuit. (I'm using a single pole switch, btw. Like i said, complicated)
I've put the switch into the jbox that has the load wire, and hard wired the hot wire in the other jbox to one of the travelers. The switch is then wired up as if in a spst situation with the traveler as hot and the load as load and the ground to ground.
The reason I'm posting is that it's not working like this and I don't understand why. The switch works correctly in a normal spst jbox, but not with this set up. What I'm seeing is that the load light is on (that seems good), but the switch is non responsive to manual toggling or changing its settings, as if the switch electronics aren't getting power.
(One other thing to mention is that I put a regular spst switch in where the ms-switch is to test and that seems to work fine.)
Anyone have any advice?
Thanks
(US wiring here)
I've got a more complicated project in mind, but for now, I'm running into issues with a simpler problem. I'm putting a motion sensing light switch into a 3way circuit. (I'm using a single pole switch, btw. Like i said, complicated)
I've put the switch into the jbox that has the load wire, and hard wired the hot wire in the other jbox to one of the travelers. The switch is then wired up as if in a spst situation with the traveler as hot and the load as load and the ground to ground.
The reason I'm posting is that it's not working like this and I don't understand why. The switch works correctly in a normal spst jbox, but not with this set up. What I'm seeing is that the load light is on (that seems good), but the switch is non responsive to manual toggling or changing its settings, as if the switch electronics aren't getting power.
(One other thing to mention is that I put a regular spst switch in where the ms-switch is to test and that seems to work fine.)
Anyone have any advice?
Thanks
#2
11-26-17, 06:28 PM
Group Moderator
Welcome to the forums.
Some motion sensors require a neutral.
If it doesn't require a neutral then it needs to be grounded.
If you post the model number from the switch I can check further.
Some motion sensors require a neutral.
If it doesn't require a neutral then it needs to be grounded.
If you post the model number from the switch I can check further.
#5
11-26-17, 06:48 PM
Currently, the other 3way switch is disconnected and those wires are hard wired as I described above (hot connected to traveler). (I apologize if that wasn't clear)
#6
11-26-17, 06:54 PM
Group Moderator
#8
11-26-17, 07:00 PM
Group Moderator
The only thing I can think of is that the wire that you think is ground.... is not actually grounded.
With the switch connected check from the hot to the switch to the ground. You should see 120vac.
With the switch connected check from the hot to the switch to the ground. You should see 120vac.
#9
11-26-17, 07:04 PM
Yeah, that occurred to me as well. Unfortunately, as I was starting this, I discovered that my multimeter isn't working (of course).
In order to try to test this, I connected the ground of the switch to the 2nd traveler and connected that to the multitude of ground wires in the other box. No change in the behavior.
In order to try to test this, I connected the ground of the switch to the 2nd traveler and connected that to the multitude of ground wires in the other box. No change in the behavior.
#10
11-26-17, 07:40 PM
Group Moderator
Are you using an incandescent type light ? If you aren't..... try it.
As a last test.... try reversing the two black wires to the sensor.
If that doesn't work.... maybe the sensor is defective.
As a last test.... try reversing the two black wires to the sensor.
If that doesn't work.... maybe the sensor is defective.
#11
11-26-17, 08:25 PM
Heh, yeah, tried an incandescent already. Also tried reversing the wires. No luck.
The switch doesn't seem defective. I tried it in another location that's just a single junction box and it was functioning properly there.
I'll pick up a new meter tomorrow and see if that reveals anything.
Thanks for your help. You at least kept me from thinking I'm totally crazy.
The switch doesn't seem defective. I tried it in another location that's just a single junction box and it was functioning properly there.
I'll pick up a new meter tomorrow and see if that reveals anything.
Thanks for your help. You at least kept me from thinking I'm totally crazy.
