[mboudro]

Hello -

New member here, working through replacing my existing hallway wiring with a GE ZWave multi-switch setup. The primary GE switch is model 12724 and the add-on switches are 12723. There are 3 total switches associated with this setup all within the same hallway. I've attached the switch connections and wiring to this post.

Any advice on how to wire this properly? The wiring existing wiring doesn't seem to coincide with the wiring diagrams for the GE Switches. Specifically, one of the switches has two "in" and two "out" which are red and white.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[gregzoll]

Since those are "Backstabbed, you will need to have the wires on screws. The Z-Wave controllers come with an instruction sheet that states how the devices have to be hooked up, when you may not have a Neutral for the unit. You need to read that set of Instructions, which will answer your questions.

You do not have to replace or pull any new wiring. Especially since it would involve opening up a bunch of holes in the walls and ceilings. You just need to read the instructions as I stated before and it will walk you through how to connect the Master and Slave units when there is not a Neutral, because of having Switch Legs with 3-way switches.

 

[gregzoll]

 

[gregzoll]

A word of caution. If you have a bunch of WiFi Access Points around where you live that your phone or computer picks up, along with have problems with Microwave ovens knocking you offline. The Z-Wave units are very prone to being kicked off line when there is signal interference on the 2.4ghz bandwidth. The same goes for 900mhz, which VTech Cordless phones are really good at interfering with that Bandwidth also. Add to that if you are close to High Power lines and airport radar/radio.

http://www.zwaveproducts.com/product-documentation/GE-45612_User-Manual.pdf

"IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT 3-WAY CIRCUITS
The term “3-way circuit” refers to a circuit with two switches
and one load (light) like you find at the top and bottom of a
stairway. There are many ways to physically wire a 3-way
circuit and it is important to understand how the circuit
you wish to upgrade to Z-Wave control is wired. Below is a
description of a typical 3-way circuit.
One of the ways to wire a two-switch/one-load circuit is to
route the incoming power through the first switch, then to the
second switch and then to the load. Although very common
and by no means a standard, it is the easiest to convert to
Z-Wave control. With this type of circuit, Switch 1 is replaced
by the Z-Wave auxiliary switch and Switch 2 is replaced with
the primary Z-Wave switch. The auxiliary switch does not
actually control the power; instead, it sends a momentary
voltage signal through the traveler wire to the primary switch
which in turn, controls the power to the load. "