Convert 3 way to 4 way lighting with automation
#1
05-22-19, 09:04 AM
Convert 3 way to 4 way lighting with automation
The existing condition:
Two hallway lights tied to two 3-way switches
The desired condition:
Three hallway lights with 3 switches BUT not wired as 4 way switches.
Access to wiring and lights are via unflnished attic. I can access the power to all three hallway lights, but installing 4 way switching system and running new wires would be very difficult.
I am no expert, but it would seem that I would need to wire all three light fixtures to a common controller, and that controller would interface with either Alexa or respond to 3 independent wall switches.
In a perfect world, would like to cut all three lights on/off by two methods:
1) On/off via Alexa voice command; or
2) On/off by any of three switches on wall.
Suggested components/systems to implement?
Two hallway lights tied to two 3-way switches
The desired condition:
Three hallway lights with 3 switches BUT not wired as 4 way switches.
Access to wiring and lights are via unflnished attic. I can access the power to all three hallway lights, but installing 4 way switching system and running new wires would be very difficult.
I am no expert, but it would seem that I would need to wire all three light fixtures to a common controller, and that controller would interface with either Alexa or respond to 3 independent wall switches.
In a perfect world, would like to cut all three lights on/off by two methods:
1) On/off via Alexa voice command; or
2) On/off by any of three switches on wall.
Suggested components/systems to implement?
Last edited by lewist57; 05-22-19 at 09:46 AM.
#2
05-22-19, 12:49 PM
Hi lewist,
What you want is not difficult on paper. The difficulty is achieving this in your home.
I'm not the pro on this but to get you started the first step is to identify how your current 2 three way switches are wired. You can search options to compare or we can dig out a link for you.
A very common arrangement is for power to enter one switch, a 3-wire then runs to the other switch, and then switched power for the lights comes from that second switch. A 4-way switch would intercept that 3-wire running between the switches and be able to turn on or off whatever setting was last selected by the 3-ways.
I'm guessing that 4-way position would become your Alexa control while the other 3-way switches would remain to function as they are.
Gather what you can for wire descriptions and to and from information, pictures always help.
As always, be careful with electricity and be sure power is off when wiring.
Bud
What you want is not difficult on paper. The difficulty is achieving this in your home.
I'm not the pro on this but to get you started the first step is to identify how your current 2 three way switches are wired. You can search options to compare or we can dig out a link for you.
A very common arrangement is for power to enter one switch, a 3-wire then runs to the other switch, and then switched power for the lights comes from that second switch. A 4-way switch would intercept that 3-wire running between the switches and be able to turn on or off whatever setting was last selected by the 3-ways.
I'm guessing that 4-way position would become your Alexa control while the other 3-way switches would remain to function as they are.
Gather what you can for wire descriptions and to and from information, pictures always help.
As always, be careful with electricity and be sure power is off when wiring.
Bud
