Thanks for the feedback, greatly appreciated. I've worked w/3-way switches in the kitchen and never killed myself yet, but I get it, there's no reason to assume anything. I have a voltage tester and also a multimeter, so I always investigate and ensure I'm safe before proceeding. My brother is a general contractor and worked a lot in electrical when he was younger so he's my "This won't kill me, right?" guy.
I started to open up the box where I believe the main switch is (if things are wired as they are w/my other 3-ways that this electrician set up) and when I did I ran into what may be a stopper on using the Inovelli fan/light switch or any smart switch. The switch box is unbeliveably crowded...I have two other GE smart switches in it already, and their bulk along w/all the wires and wire nuts for the three switches makes it difficult for even the existing dumb switch to fit. I could buy some space by replacing the middle switch, which is an older/larger form factor GE w/a newer/smaller form factor Honeywell I have.
Hmmm...this is remaining an annoying project.
Now I'm wondering if it would be best to just remove both dumb switches, wire things up so the light is always on, and put Picos in both spots using the Pico wall plate bracket and control the fan via the existing Bond integration, which I'm already using on one Pico on the living room coffee table. Easy way out, maybe...and as I've said many times, family LOVES Picos.
Iām in Canada so not sure what the requirements are in your area, but based on volume of the box there is a limit to the number of wires and wire nuts that you can have. Also the power limits on switches gets reduced in ganged boxes compared to singles. Home Depot will have a simplified electrical guide available for your area for just over $10.
I thought about that, but then wondered why I would put it there for $69 (and have to install the receiver in the fan) when I can just put in a Pico in both spots for $12 each and control the fan via my Bond bridge. The Inovelli is very cool, but the more I think about it, it seems like I'm complicating things more than I need to.
Originally I didn't want to do something like above as I was concerned it was against code to have the fan always powered regardless of switch state. Since that turns out to be common practice, I'm not thinking of that as a blocker any more. Makes the simple Pico option very attractive, and family gets a consistent interface in all three spots.
Sounds like a plan! At least you know that you've looked at multiple options. The Picos will always be useful somewhere, even if you decide to make a change later.
LOL...not at all, you guys saved the day. Learned a bunch, and ended up w/a solution that will work very well for both family and for the limits to my setup. Appreciate your's and everyone's elses help very much.
My brother is a general contractor and worked a lot in electrical when he was younger so he's my "This won't kill me, right?" guy.
Thanks for all the help!
