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jasv · May 4, 2005, 03:07 PM

First I apologize for my terminology. I have a switch a the bottom of the stairs and one at the top of the stairs. They both control the same light fixture. I think this is called a 3 way switch?

My real question: I bought 2 levition motion switches that state they work with 3 way switches. The example shows how to wire one motion sensor to one switch. What I would like to do is put a motion sensor both at the top and the bottom of the stairs. That is replace the 2 existing switches with 2 motion sensor switches. Any reason whay that wouldn't work?

tkrussell · May 4, 2005, 05:03 PM

Can you furnish the Leviton model number of the switches you have? Leviton makes several models for 3 way switches,and each is wire differently, as I can see from the spec sheets at their website.

You can try:
http://www.leviton.com/sections/prod...d/npleadin.htm, and chose "Occ. Sensors" on the left pane, and find you sensor.

To find your model number and read the wiring diagrams there for 3 way arrangements.

Otherwise get back with the number and I can see how it needs to be connected and help you.

By the way Leviton also offers live tech support "In the US 1-800-824-3005
Mon.-Fri. 8:30AM to 6:00PM ET". I have used it several times myself in the past and they are very helpful.

labman · May 4, 2005, 05:20 PM

Yeah, that is what is called a 3 way switch. Both the switches, regular or motion sensor, must be double throw, common, normally open, and normally closed. If your example shows the motion sensor switch with 3 contacts to connect to the black, white, and red wires, doing so with both switches should work. If your example shows a single throw motion sensor switch connected to the black wire of the feed pair, 2 of them are not going to work. It is possible that one motion sensor might detect motion at both the top and bottom of the stairs, needing only one switch.

There are several ways of wiring up 3 way switches. You have a pair of feed wires going to either one of the switches or the load. Then the rest are connected by 3 conductor cables. When you remove the old switch, carefully note how the wires are connected, and connect the new wires just like them.

jasv · May 4, 2005, 07:08 PM

Tkrussell,
The model number is PR180-1LW. The wiring diagram shows an example of a 3-way installation with the PR180 to a standard 3 way switch.

Labman,

If your example shows the motion sensor switch with 3 contacts to connect to the black, white, and red wires, doing so with both switches should work. If your example shows a single throw motion sensor switch connected to the black wire of the feed pair, 2 of them are not going to work

The example shows the black wire of the feed pair connected to the black of both the swtich and the PR180 utilizing a "jumper".

I will try your "one motion sensor" idea because that might work. Thanks.

KPark214 · Oct 11, 2005, 07:24 AM

But I want to know how to install this same switch with only a single pole operation. I have tried pretty much every combination there is and this still does not work. Please help me out. Plus would like to also know howto fit this into the box because it doesn't quite fit.

labman · Oct 11, 2005, 10:16 AM

Any double throw switch should work as a single throw one too. You need a hot wire, and a wire connected to the load. The other side of the load must be connected to a neutral running back to the breaker box. From there, it is simply making sure one of the wires is connected to the common of the switch. Your problem may have to do with the connections at the other old switch. Be best to identify which wires need to be connected there, wire nut them together, and cap off all unused wires. Remove the other switch, and put a blank cover over the box. Code requires it to remain accessible as long as the wiring in it is in use.