Best way to control a 4 way switch using z-wave

[GavinCampbell]

I just did a 3-way switch installation (GE) for a friend and how it done is that they turn it into a 1way switch and then use the other switches as dummy switches that control the main switch.

So the master is where the line is coming in and you just pass through the power right to the light so its only controlled by the master. Then one of the travelers is used so the slave switch can communicate with the master and trigger it to turn off and on.

I don’t know if this setup would work in 4 way setups though as it only has one traveller for the communication.

However, what you could do is create a single master where the line comes in and pass through the load all the way to the light so the master controls it. And in the other 2 locations add some smart switches that don’t control anything (just need the line and neutral). Then use automation so that if any of the swithces are turned on then all are turned on and vice versa. This should get you what you want if you don’t find a real 4 way solution.

I also saw this thread which had some details.

Adventures in 4-Way GE Smart Switch

I decided to automate my living room lights. My living room light is a single light with three in wall switches. First, it would be nice if the Z-Wave manufacturers would be clear that you need “add-on” switches for this application. I initially purchases a Z-Wave switch with the intention of swapping out an existing switch - alas, I found this would not work - since the other two switches were standard. I used GE Dimmer and GE Add-on switches. Here is my configuration. left switch was a 4-way center switch was the power right switch was the load As many may already know, the center switch takes a live line and switches it. you then have two “travelers” that go between the four-way switch and the load switch to flip power from one leg to another. So the normal configuration is a…