I'm trying to replace a standard dimmer with an inovelli dimmer. I already installed one in the bedroom with no issues. It was a single gang box and that box had 3 wires, load, line and a bundle of neutrals. There are no grounds in any of my switch boxes as the boxes themselves are grounded.
I'm now trying to replace this other switch. This is a dual gang box with a dimmer and a rocker switch already in it. The dimmer controls some recessed lights and the toggle switch next to it controls an outlet. When I opened up the switch box I got a little confused.
(Tried to insert picture here but it's saying I can't post a picture)
Here is an imgur link: (says I cannot put links in post either)
i m g u r . c o m /a/kPYl7Ck
i m g u r . c o m /a/OxbsMxa
There doesn't appear to be a neutral wire in this box first of all, which shouldn't be an issue with the inovelli. Second, why is the purple wire going from the bottom screw of the right switch, into the dimmer? There is also that orange wire in the box that is just taped off and not connected to anything.
Sorry, I can't figure out how to edit my post, but I had some information wrong. The toggle switch next to the dimmer actually controls a light/ceiling fan combo. The switch box to the right of that controls the outlet.
I use it for two things: first, and most importantly, I always check just before grabbing some wires, even when I "know" I've turned off the power, as a second safety check.
Second, it's useful for distinguishing line from load. Turn back on the power to those switches, have the switches in the "off" position, and adjust the sensitivity on the voltage tester until only one set of wires from each switch triggers the tester. Then you've identified the line. The other wires are the load wires.
I can guess what's going on with your wiring from the picture but it's better to be sure.
The line is just being pigtailed off of the toggle on the right. They do this sometimes to reduce the number of wires they have to marret together and help with physical space.
Your line is going to be the purple bunch of wires, your load is going to be the brown. To make things simple, you can undo the black and two purple wires, then put the two purple wires into the two line holes in the back of the inovelli. This will save space. Then undo the brown wire and put that into the load connector on the inovelli and you should be good to go.
I also like to add an extra ground wire for safety when its missing. I've read people say you don't have to do it because the box is grounded and screwing the switch to it handles the ground but I've also been told to do it by electricians. So I just do it anyways as its not difficult to add.
And as mentioned, I always turn off the circuit and test the wires with a voltage tester. I've come across boxes that had more than one circuit going through it. I wouldn't have known this without the voltage tester.
