replace 3 way switch with motion 3 way

jrc · #1 Nov 20, 2005, 09:34 AM

Hi

I have a 3 way switch setup today that works and I now want to replace one of the switches with a motion sensor. I purchased the Levition PR180 to do the job. (at least it says is can).

The setup I have current is

1st box - power comes in
light fixture is attached
top left black connects (to 2nd box black)
top right red connects (to 2nd box red)
bottom right black connects (to light and power)
whites for power, light are 3 wire are connected together

2nd box - 3 wire (RWB) is connected between boxes
top left white connects
top right red connects
bottom right black connects

So how to make this work. I thought all I would need to do was connect black to black (on switch) and red to red(on switch), white to yellow/red and green to ground but this does not work.

I have been to the Leviton site and it has a diagram but the position of the fixture is different. I have tried other internet sites but none of them seem to position the way mine is.

Any thoughts on how to get this switch to work.

Thanks

labman · Nov 20, 2005, 11:52 AM

The 3 way switches are a double throw switch. One contact, usually on the bottom is the common. It is always connected to one or the other of the top 2 contacts. There are several different ways to connect 3 way switches. Identify the common on the new switch, and connect the same wire that was common on the old switch, and it should work.

Does this make sense? If the light is turned on with the other switch, motion will turn it off. If that what you want?

jrc · Nov 20, 2005, 12:00 PM

thanks

But what do I connect the white to, the red to, red yellow to....

RNeeley · Nov 20, 2005, 12:22 PM

As long as you have the common correct, it should not matter how the other wires are connected.

jrc · Nov 20, 2005, 03:01 PM

well if black to black, red to red, yellow/red to white and the other switch is on then when it goes to auto the light does not seem to get enough power (the light is a florescent light).

If I turn off the other switch there is no effect on the motion sensor switch.

So I am very puzzled with this.

Any other suggestions

labman · Nov 20, 2005, 05:11 PM

Do I have this straight, the motion sensor switch has red, red/yellow/ and white wires on it? If so, do the instructions identify which one is the common?

jrc · Nov 21, 2005, 04:09 AM

there is no mention of common in the instructions. just to set red to load, traveler a to black and traveler to yellow-red.

I have tried these combinations multiple times but no luck

labman · Nov 21, 2005, 04:53 AM

Try treating the red as common. Connect the wire that was connected to the common to the red. The other 2 then should work either way.



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