Smart Things Dual Lightswitch

[Doug2651 (Douglas Folsom)]

Hi,
In my Kitchen I have 8 high hats that are controlled by 2 switches. (1 at either end of the kitchen) I want to get the kitchen to be on smart things and alexa.

Does anyone know what types of switches I need at either end of the kitchen, Are they both going to be Zwave GE or do I only need to replace 1?
Thanks for your help.

[Gutheinz (Dave Gutheinz)]

You need to replace both switches and carefully follow the instructions. You are describing a three-way circuit. "GE 45613 Z-Wave Wireless Lighting Control Three-Way Dimmer Kit " on Amazon in US. Cost ~60 for the pair. Is on the SmartThings Switches and Dimmers marketplace, so should work.

[JDRoberts]

The following FAQ should help. (This is a clickable link)

[FAQ] GE 3-Way Wiring

I’ve decided to put this FAQ together to help those with questions about installing GE 3-way switches. Definitions of terms: Line: The hot wire from the breaker (usually black) Neutral: The return wire for circuits (usually white) Load: The wire that will be hot when the circuit is completed to your light (usually black) Traveler: In existing 3-way wiring, this wire toggles hot between two switches. In a smart switch 3-way configuration, a smaller charge is looped through the add-on switch. Some things to know: 3-way wiring for smart switches is different than standard 3 way wiring. You cannot use dumb 3-way switches with most smart switches (You must purchase the matching GE add-on switch to wire with your GE smart master switch). If the line is wired into the light fixture, you …

[Gutheinz (Dave Gutheinz)]

I worry about that if you have to ask, should you do it yourself? It is not difficult, but it is also easy to mess up.

[JDRoberts]

@Gutheinz

I worry about that if you have to ask, should you do it yourself? It is not difficult, but it is also easy to mess up.

My own feeling is that the wiring FAQs are still of help in the sense that

One) sometimes just understanding the concepts a little better is helpful even if you aren’t going to do the work yourself.

Two) and sometimes reading the FAQ makes you realize that you do need to bring in an electrician because there’s just a lot more to it than you thought.