Question

Hi I am going to admit this is a stupid question but I have one set of hallway lights that have 2 switches that operate them on and off. I have another hallway where there are 3 switches that can all operate that light. My question is, for the light that is controlled with 2 switches do I have to buy 2 of them and which ones? @vouchsafe12715e question for the light with 3 switches? I am going to have an electrician install it but I don't even know how many and which switches to buy?  

Answer 1

You could consider Lutron switches. Very easy installation because you just need one switch connected to mains, then you can place however many remote switches you want (replace existing switches or place right on drywall with their bracket). .  
https://www.casetawireless.com/

Answer 2

Look at Lutron switches.  

Answer 3

I have the GE switches installed in 3 way and 4way installs. Work great and can turn on and off plus dim at all locations.  

Comments

@hobard any chance you can share the link to the exact switches. I called an electrician one and had the wrong switches ordered. :(

Answer 4

The switches @subtreasury70 listed above are what I have. One master, and slaves for each secondary switch. They are easy to install but are not installed the same as a traditional 3 way. The traveler wire carries a low voltage signal from the master to the slave

Answer 5

The lights that are controlled by 2 switches is called a 3-way, and your other one that is controlled by 3 switches is called a 4-way. If you don't want dimming capabilities and are just looking for on/off, I'd recommend an Inovelli switch or similar as it can use ordinary "dumb" switches in the other locations instead of requiring you to buy a separate add-on switch. If you want dimming from multiple locations, you'll need add-on switches at those locations

Comments

@mullin that is exactly what I want. I don't need dimming capability. I just need on and off. The switch I replace, does it have to be a specific one or any one will work? Meaning if I have a 2 way do I have to know if one is the "master"? Also can you share the link to the right switch to buy

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@unitarianism53906 It is easiest to install the smart switch at the location where the power from your circuit breaker first enters the set of wall switches. Inovelli has a variety of options, depending on what features you want. If you simply want on/off, get the base model (2nd from left on link below). If you like to have the option to trigger user-defined scenes by multiple-tapping the paddle, get the first one on the left (Z-wave on/off switch + scenes & notifications) I'm assuming you have a neutral wire in your switch boxes. If not, you'd have to pick one of the dimmer switches that don't require a neutral.  
https://inovelli.com/zwave-switches/

Answer 6

Don’t the Zooz switches work without the add on switch? Install one Zooz and keep the rest as they are. I haven’t tried them myself.  

Comments

The Zooz solution requires rewiring of the slaves. Cheaper option if on/off is all that’s needed, otherwise the GE solution with add-ons is the way to go IMHO.  

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@oliva I installed a Zooz and it didn't require any rewiring. The second dumb switch operates like normal.  

Answer 7

Inovelli and Zooz both don't require add on switches.  

Answer 8

I think I have a similar set up and just had an electrician out to do the install. I used Kasa TP Link switches. On a set of lights controlled by 2 switches. he installed 3 way switches on each. On a set of lights that has 3 switches controlling he was able to install 3 way switches on 2 of the switches and he did nothing to the 3rd switch. I'm able to fully control the lights having had nothing installed on the 3rd switch.  

Answer 9

Lots of choices. But if you want dimming (and brightness) at all locations I would recommend the GE switches.  

Answer 10

You can get inovelli black/red series switches and only buy one per location, or you can get a GE switch and buy add on switches, you can also use the same add on switches with the inovelli option. Many options available. Comes down to what your goal is functionality/esthetics/price wise. My personal choice would be inovelli and keeping the other original switches in place but if they're two completely different styles (toggle and decora) I would like them to match.  

Answer 11

You would just need one Zooz switch.