Replacing old Leviton system

5698 Views 5 Replies 3 Participants Last post by Let it Snow, May 18, 2020

mfaust

Discussion Starter · May 17, 2020

Thank you in advance for any help. I am first time poster so hopefully this message is in the right place and makes sense.

I am trying to remove an old Leviton Decora system and replace it with new Lutron Caseta wireless switches. I have replaced a number of other standard GFCI switches in the house with no problems, but having a little trouble figuring out the wiring for a few outside lights that are controlled by an old Decora setup.

Specifically, there are three DHC 16400 wall controllers (each with four switches) which are located in three different locations throughout our house (front door, back door, and master bedroom). Three of the switches control low voltage landscaping lighting (though two transformers) and are wired into the breaker box after passing through Leviton controller switches (Cat. 6291). These control outside lights on our patio, front porch, and an uplight on a tree - all labeled in the picture below. I think one of the switches also controls a line-voltage up-light (with it's own built in transformer), but have not been able to test that since it is broken.

The fourth switch controls flood lights that are mounted around the outside of the house and runs through a different set of switches in the attic mounted together with some other wires that also seem to control our attic lights (see picture below).

The Decora systems has started to fail and I want to replace it with a Lutron system so I can control everything through one interface (since my other smart switches are all Lutron). I ultimately would love to control all of these lights this way, but in the short-term I would be happy just removing the flood lights and operating them separately.

I can't seem to figure out (or find a manual) on exactly how the old Decora system works / is able to control multiple lights with only one line and one load wire.

Would love any advice on others who have replaced this system or have more electrical knowledge than I do.

Thanks so much!

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Let it Snow

· #2 · May 17, 2020

I was one of the first electricians to install that Leviton system. I hated it and still do. It primarily uses power line wiring for signaling and control, similar to X-10.
Each device required a neutral and was a PIA to wire.

The Lutron Caseta system is far superior and my favorite "smart" switch to install.

What type of questions do you have?

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diyorpay

· #3 · May 18, 2020

from 2000:

http://communities.leviton.com/servlet/JiveServlet/previewBody/1709-102-1-2446/Ins 16400.pdf

https://stevenengineering.com/tech_support/PDFs/74WDBSEC.pdf

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mfaust

Discussion Starter · #4 · May 18, 2020

Thanks Let It Snow! The links were very helpful. So it looks like the system works over the house's existing wiring, which makes sense why one controller can operate a number of different switches.

I guess my questions are around how to remove the system. I would think I could just remove the switches and complete the circuits in the basement and attic then wire in the new Caseta switches in the wall boxes. I might have to tie together two of the lights to one switch unless I want to expand one of the wall boxes (since I have four lights and only three receptacles). Does that sound right to you? Anything else I should be thinking about?

I'm not sure why the wiring in the attic has three switches (controlling only one set of lights), but suppose I will figure that out when I take it apart.

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Let it Snow

· #5 · May 18, 2020

mfaust said:
Thanks Let It Snow! The links were very helpful. So it looks like the system works over the house's existing wiring, which makes sense why one controller can operate a number of different switches.

I guess my questions are around how to remove the system. I would think I could just remove the switches and complete the circuits in the basement and attic then wire in the new Caseta switches in the wall boxes. I might have to tie together two of the lights to one switch unless I want to expand one of the wall boxes (since I have four lights and only three receptacles). Does that sound right to you? Anything else I should be thinking about?

I'm not sure why the wiring in the attic has three switches (controlling only one set of lights), but suppose I will figure that out when I take it apart.

The Leviton System can be installed on any existing switches, as long as a neutral wire is available at each location. There is no special wiring required. It's possible to completely remove it and go back to normal / conventional switching.

The Caseta system is easier to install on a single pole switch. In most cases you take out the switch and install the Caseta - no neutral required.

> Download the App to your phone or tablet.
> Install the Caseta internet hub at your router.
> Create a free account
> Select Add Device on your phone or tablet
> Hold the bottom button on the Caseta for ten seconds
> The App recognizes it, you name it, and it works.
> You can now control it from your phone or tablet, create groups of switches, create schedules of off/on
> Add it to Amazon Alexa or Google Home for Voice control
> "Alexa, turn on the kitchen", Alexa, dim the kitchen to 43%", "Alexa, turn all lights off"

Three-way and four-way switches are a little more involved but easy to install. Start off with single pole and graduate to 3-ways.

Here's a link to the advanced installation guide

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