Greetings, I’m new to Vera and home automation. My first task is to install a z-wave switch that controls 3 exterior can lights. I wired according to the directions but when I powered up it didn’t work. I pulled the switch out of the box hot (dangerous, I know) and checked the lugs with a voltage tester. What I plugged into the Load side was the pigtail from a bundle of 3 wires, and what I plugged into the Line side was what I assume was the incoming power. However, the voltage tester only alerts on the Load lug. Should I just swap these? I’m trying to imagine a wiring scenario where the lights pigtail onto the Load… Maybe they’re just daisy-chained and the pigtail is a split to power the outlets on either side of the room?
Any reason why I shouldn’t just swap them?
You should always positively identify all wires before installing a switch. You should never assume function, especially based on color.
Based on your description the three wire bundle with pigtail is clearly the Line wire. Swapping your Line and Load wires, in this case, will likely resolve your issue. So long as you’ve not also made incorrect assumptions about the Neutral.
Edit: When posting in the future, be sure to state the make and model of the device you are discussing. There are many Z-Wave switches with several different wiring methods.
[quote=“Z-Waver, post:2, topic:187505”]You should always positively identify all wires before installing a switch. You should never assume function, especially based on color.
Based on your description the three wire bundle with pigtail is clearly the Line wire. Swapping your Line and Load wires, in this case, will likely resolve your issue. So long as you’ve not also made incorrect assumptions about the Neutral.
Edit: When posting in the future, be sure to state the make and model of the device you are discussing. There are many Z-Wave switches with several different wiring methods.[/quote]
How do you recommend I check the function? I assume you mean check the wires with a multimeter. Line will show voltage to ground, Neutral will not (and neither will Load, obviously). Sound about right?
This is a GE SmartSwitch for reference.
Start by identifying the Line wire. This can be accomplished with a multimeter or non-contact voltage detector.
With the Line wire positively identified, the remaining wires in a simple(single switch) circuit are easily deducible. The Load would be the other wire on the switch.
Things become more complicated with 3-way or more switched circuits where multiple(three) wires can seem like Line or Load at various switch positions. In these cases, it will be necessary to use a multimeter/continuity tester to trace each wire(de-energized and disconnected).
With each wire traced, it should be straightforward to draw a diagram of the circuit and understand the function of each wire and how to proceed with connecting your new and differently wired switch.
While there are many guides and instructions on the web about how to do this, I do not believe that it should be attempted by someone with no idea what they are doing. If the person doesn’t have a good understanding of electricity and how circuits work, from prior training/experience with less dangerous voltages, then I feel that they should hire the work out.