I am removing an old dumb switch. I will be replacing it with a Zigbee GE switch. I used my multimeter etc. to test and the black wire on the top is load wire. The two black wires at the bottom are live. Why might this switch have two live wires? Should I connect both into the live wire screw of my GE Jasco Zigbee switch?
Looks like line (and neutral) is being daisy-chained to the next switch/light/outlet, so both should be connected to the line terminal on the new switch.
Isn't neutral the white wire tucked at the back?
The push connection is something that you should avoid. It tends to come loose over time and isn’t fun to track down. I suggest you twist a third hot wire into the 2 you have with a wire cap and use the single black wire to connect the new switch.
Yes, and you will need to connect it to the new switch, as well as a ground, although it appears that your box is grounded and I believe that should ground the switch.
Yes, I checked with my multimeter and the box is grounded fine
Only one of the bottoms are hot. The other one is also a load but it's constant to energize something else. Cut all 3 with nippers or dyke at the switch and strip back 3/8" of cover on each wire.! Cut a piece of black romex about 3" long. Remove about 3/8 cover on each end. Using a wire nut connect
one end of the tail you just made to the two wires that are together. Connect the other end of the pigtail to the new switch. And for Gandalf's sake, turn off the power to that circuit at the box
It appears the two wired circled in red are connected together inside the switch. The other wire (green arrow) is energized or not by the switch position, this would be your switched load.
White wires, and all 3 are connected together. When I said "both should be connected to the line terminal on the new switch.", I was referring to the two blacks, in answer to the original question.
Thanks all! Your inputs were very helpful. I went ahead and all is fine with my shining new zigbee switch! My daughter has a new "magic light" to enjoy
Get her a Lifx led strip and you’ll be her hero
He’s already her hero. She can now turn her lights on and off without having to step out into a dark room filled with whatever her imagination conjures.
This. She is 4 years old and had been requesting me since weeks to install "magic lights" lights in her toys room. She can now enter the dark room with joy and confidence. Absolute customer satisfaction. The only factor which vetoes WAF.