Converting 2 way swtich to 3 way - Wirless?

rexmedorum

We have a 2 gang (2 switchec) 2 way (upstairs & downstairs) switch and want to add a 3rd location, but have just redecorated and put new flooring upstairs.

I read somewhere that there may be a wireless solution for this, but can't seem to find it. Has anyone tried this?

27col

I wish that I had a quid for every customer who said to me"We need the house rewiring, but we have just redecorated. Can you do it without any damage to the wallpaper."
Whatever happened to thinking ahead.
Sorry, I can't help with a wireless solution as I retired too long ago.

Jonesya

Have a look at the Lightwave RF range, that might have something suitable.

zax47

rexmedorum wrote: »

We have a 2 gang (2 switchec) 2 way (upstairs & downstairs) switch and want to add a 3rd location, but have just redecorated and put new flooring upstairs.

I read somewhere that there may be a wireless solution for this, but can't seem to find it. Has anyone tried this?

Regardless of how you interact with the switch, ultimately it has to connect to whatever it is controlling.

You have a light controlled by 2 switches, now you want to add a 3rd switch - where in relation to the other 2? Are you wired loop at light or loop at switch? You really can't avoid a connection to one or other of the switches if you want to interact with that circuit.

When we install 3 way switching on multiple floor stairs - switch at bottom, middle landing & top, then the middle one is a different type, called an intermediate switch.

rexmedorum

yes that's what I know and want to avoid by a wireless solution. It's loop at light by the way.

TheCyclingProgrammer

We have an increasing number of LightwaveRF switches in our house and I'd suggest this would be a solution for you. Depending on your DIY knowledge you could fit these yourself - if you know how to wire a switch you can do it.

Not the cheapest solution as the switches aren't cheap but would be a simple solution.

You need a 2 gang master dimmer and a 2 gang slave, plus a 2 gang wireless switch (or however many you like). I've not used a slave switch in my system but I believe the master and slave can go either way round.

Both the master and slave have a live, switch and signal terminal. On the switch which is connected to the lighting circuit mains, connect the live to live and switched live to switch. You'll then want to reuse the existing 3 core between both locations, connecting live to live at each end, switch to switch at each end and use the third core for the signal. Brown for live, black for switch, grey for signal (red, blue, yellow if older wiring). It's VITAL you do not inadvertently connect a mains voltage cable to the signal terminal as this is a low voltage signal and mains voltage will kill it.

Repeat for the second gang, make sure you've identified which cables are which so you don't get them mixed up.

At this point you'll have your old two way setup working.

Now put each gang into pairing mode on the master and pair it with a gang on the wireless switch. Use provided sticky pads to fix the switch in desired location. Job done.

Plenty of places online to get the kit, make sure you're buying the newer models. I get my Lightwave gear from Vesternet.

You'll be looking at about £110 for a two gang master/slave with a third wireless 2 gang combo.

rexmedorum

Do these exist in non dimmer?

TheCyclingProgrammer

No, due to the way they work.

The only way you can have a basic on/off switch with LightwaveRF is to use an inline relay paired with a wireless switch but that probably wouldn't help in your situation.

brightontraveller

Why are you faffing around with remote control with domestic type being absolutely crap at best, commercial fractionally better? You have possible insurance implication and higher cost you’d not get any of those problems installing internal ceiling PIR vast majority of the time they can be installed with little to no redecoration needed???? you can pinpoint/mask reasonably accurately the area they pick up from???
(often used for halls, bathrooms , kitchens, stairways, on landings, offices for lighting and fans etc potentially saves energy too )

http://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-indoor-ceiling-flush-pir/47121