I replaced one 3 way switch with the ca3000 and it seems to work fine with the remaining standard 3 way switch. However, when I attempt to replace the remaining 3 way switch with the 5100, I am having no luck. The setup is this: a 3 way switch->3 way switch->light. Each 3way switch has 2 cables coming in with the following wires: ground, red, 2 blacks, neutral (neutrals tied off in the background). Each switch has a ground, a red traveler, 2 black wires. In the switch that I’m attempting to replace with the 5100, I’ve connected the 5100 neutral to the existing neutral wires, the 5100 ground to the existing ground, and the 5100 black to the red traveler. With this setup, the 5100 has no power. I’ve also tried connecting the 5100 black to the “other” black traveler, which gives it the power, but then the switch doesn’t control the lights (lights not affected when using on/off buttons on aux.) and causing the 3000 relay to fire repeatedly.
I’m assuming that I just don’t have this hooked up correctly… I could use some assistance. I’m a novice DIYer when it comes to electrical matters.
I could use some detailed directions on how the wiring on the 5100 switch should be done. I have also read that the 3000 needs to replace the “correct” 3 way switch. Could it be possible that I have them backwards?
Let me know if you need more details…
thanks in advance for any assistance!
I have a neutral wire in both switch boxes, so that shouldn’t be the problem…if it can’t be used as a replacement, I guess I’m a little confused why it’s included with the purchase of the ca600? I would think it would be usable with the ca3000 as well.
the description of the 5100 from smarthome’s website is : Use this Z-Wave Accessory Switch to activate scenes on your Z-Wave network or in the slave position in a 3-way (or more) switch configuration.
Swazi is correct. Read the next line of the description from Smarthome: “Unlike other Z-Wave switches, this Accessory Switch does not control loads directly”, then “Requires “hot” and “neutral” wires, plus ground”. In this case, the “slave position” just means occupying the physical location.
That worked fine…not the solution I wanted, but it’s functional. I would really like to have all zwave devices replacing all standard 3-way switches in the circuit, but from what you both describe, it’s not possible.
It’s only possible if you have an unswitched hot and neutral wire in the switch box you want to use, from ANY circuit (i.e. it doesn’t need to be from the same lighting circuit that you’re trying to control), or if you can add them by rewiring.
The ONLY advantage I have found to the CA5100 is aesthetics - matching the look of the other switches. It doesn’t add any capability beyond a standard switch. Mine loses its association when there is a power outage and doesn’t providing dimming (when used in “association mode”).
[quote=“csherwood999, post:6, topic:171823”]I would really like to have all zwave devices replacing all standard 3-way switches in the circuit, but from what you both describe, it’s not possible.
Oh well…[/quote]
If you have a three way switch, lets say two switches in the cirucit and a light on the end…
Like this:
Power ------Switch ------- Switch ------- Light
Couldn’t you wire up the CA5100 and CA3000 in place of the switches, as long as you put the CA3000 (dimmer) just before the light, and the CA5100 (dummy accessory switch) wired before the CA3000?
Like this:
Power ------ CA5100 ------ CA3000 --------- Light
The CA5100 is always has power if it is before the CA3000 (rather than getting dimmed or switched on and off by the CA3000) and then the CA3000 is wired up as a standard light switch.
Then you just create a rule in your programming that has the CA5100 control the CA3000 via z-wave
Wouldn’t the net affect of this configuration be the same as a three way switch?
You don’t need a 5100 to get three way operation. The CA3000 will work together with a conventional three way switch. If you do want to use the 5100 as a scene controller it is just wired to power and is independent of the wiring of the light and CA3000
[quote=“cbutters, post:8, topic:171823”][quote=“csherwood999, post:6, topic:171823”]I would really like to have all zwave devices replacing all standard 3-way switches in the circuit, but from what you both describe, it’s not possible.
Oh well…[/quote]
If you have a three way switch, lets say two switches in the cirucit and a light on the end…
Like this:
Power ------Switch ------- Switch ------- Light
Couldn’t you wire up the CA5100 and CA3000 in place of the switches, as long as you put the CA3000 (dimmer) just before the light, and the CA5100 (dummy accessory switch) wired before the CA3000?
Like this:
Power ------ CA5100 ------ CA3000 --------- Light
The CA5100 is always has power if it is before the CA3000 (rather than getting dimmed or switched on and off by the CA3000) and then the CA3000 is wired up as a standard light switch.
Then you just create a rule in your programming that has the CA5100 control the CA3000 via z-wave
Wouldn’t the net affect of this configuration be the same as a three way switch?[/quote]
Thanks for this comment, cbutters. I wanted to have all my switches match and got a really good deal on the CA5100’s so I went this route.
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