Yes they are. Thanks a lot for this explanation. I didn’t realize what was happening there with the black wire being tied into that bundle and sending it to the other box. When I had everything disconnected and tested with the meter the only wire getting 120 was where I thought the inovelli went, but I see it was just being redirected to that box. Thanks again
This is actually required with a 3way+ installation. One of the 3 way switches (ones with 3 wires) will have line from breaker on the common screw and the other switch will have load to fixture on the common screw. When load and line are in the same box, you will find your situation where one of them is “sent” to the other box. Key is so look at the wires in the 14-3 Romex (one with red, black, and white) and see what all they are connected to.
Good to know. This is the first 3 way I’ve tried to hook up. I’ve already added 6 single poles and that was pretty straight forward. Unfortunately, I won’t have a chance to get back at it for a few weeks, but I definitely appreciate the breakdown. I only have two upstairs like this, but I have around 8 downstairs to do. I almost want to remove the three way from the equation downstairs since they’re all in spots that I’d never use and it’s all voice controlled anyway.
If you’re using the Innovelli switches then, once you understand what you’re looking at and assuming they were all installed the same way as the first one, it takes minimal additional work to include them - but, it’s easy enough to just disconnect them and come back later if you miss being able to use them. If you were using GE switches then there could be a cost argument to just replace the master and buy an add-on later. I have 3- or 4-ways on all my stairs so I didn’t have much choice.
I guess I’ll find out in a few weeks. The basement was finished a few years after the house was built so no telling if it’s the same down there