What are travel cables when using 3-way switching?
In a 3-way configuration, the black wire (along with the red wire) is a traveler wire. This is because current flows from one switch box to the other through both wires, but only through one wire at a time and is determined by the configuration of the toggle switches.
Can a traveling wire be used as a neutral?
Yes, it’s OK as long as the wires are properly labeled. However, since you will be using the traveler as your “Neutral”, what will your traveler be?
Where does the traveler cable go?
The traveler wires run between the two 3-way switches, providing two potential ways to complete the circuit and send power to the fixture. It doesn’t matter which traveler wire goes to which traveler terminal on the switch; the passenger terminals are interchangeable.
Is the red thread traveling?
Red and blue wires connect the traveler terminals of the two switches. The red wire, which is connected to the common terminal of the first switch, leads back to the light fixture.
Are the travel wires hot?
The traveler wires run between the two 3-way switches, providing two potential ways to complete the circuit and send power to the fixture. Note that the terminal wires are also considered “hot” because they carry power when the switches are activated.
Where does the traveling wire on a light come from?
At the second switch box location, the wiring is similar to that of the first switch, with the traveler terminals connected to the traveler wires from the first switch. However, at this second switch, the common screw terminal is connected to a black hot wire that leads to the light fixture.
Why do I need a traveler cable for my Slave?
Traditionally, the slave needs a “traveler” line and wire to the master. This allows the slave to switch power to the same load via the physical displacement cable. Z-Wave technology is a proprietary radio frequency designed to transmit commands between devices such as light switches. Today we are going to explain how to configure a “virtual slave”.
Can a white neutral wire be used as a three pole traveler?
So yes, you would mark a white wire as another color again. Give free choice of thread color, it’s good to make both messengers the same color. They should, however, be distinct from everything else. Today there is an NEC requirement to bring a true neutral wire to most switch locations most of the time.
Do you need a traveler cable for Z Wave?
They do not require a traveler cable to the master! After you have installed and wired the master switch and the virtual slave, you will need to pair them together. In order for this device to control a load, it must be virtually paired with the main switch or Z-Wave dimmer.
