Had some fun this weekend installing a three way switch.

Picked up a 3 way z-wave from GE model 45614 three way switch . Figured would be great for the front entry. Well not so fast as I’ve now learned there are over 7 ways to wire a 3 way. Of course ours isn’t the one that matches what GE expects. GE uses two switches one as the z-wave switch and the other as a trigger to change the z-wave switch. This then requires repurposing the traveler wire (what makes 3 ways work) as the signal line not a power line. This would be ok except that then you need a white neutral wire at the signal switch too. And yes that’s right our setup didn’t have one of those.

three way switch

Had GE designed a single switch that acted like the traditional 3 way with the traveler wire as power we would have been fine and saved replacing one switch. Maybe someone has done this though I haven’t found one.

And not to leave a purchase unused did install the switches in the laundry room. The wiring was right to what GE required and simple install all up and running. They are very nice switches btw. High quality.