Virtual 3-way switching

Virtual 3-way switching

Virtual 3-way switching
Virtual 3-way switching
2024-11-24 23:13:42 - last edited 2024-11-25 00:25:01
Model: Tapo TS15  
Hardware Version:
Firmware Version:

The apartment I just moved into has a hallway light with a switch at each end of the hallway.  Not sure what they were thinking when they wired it, but they used two 2-way SPST light switches in series.  The light is powered from switch 2.  Switch 2 has no power when switch 1 is off; if switch 1 is on then switch 2 can turn the light on and off.

 

What I'm going to do is use two TP-link TS15 smart switches to create virtual 3-way switching.  I will wire the input 115v to switch 1, and nothing on switch 1's output.  Switch 2 will always have power in parallel with switch 1's input, and be able to control the light.

In the Tapo app I will create an automation in which any switching of switch 1 will toggle switch 2.

 

My question is this: does the  TS15 physical switch have an ON position and a separate OFF position, or is it more like a button, where you push it the same for ON and for OFF?  

 

Thanks

 

Overly simplified, but basically this:

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Re:Virtual 3-way switching
2024-11-26 21:18:27

  @malloly,

Both Dimmers and Switches lack a designated on/off postion as it would be a large force required to move the rocker back to the correct position when given a smart command.

 

I do have to ask, why not just bypass the first switch and remove it from the equation by just linking wires? Ideally, you never want the switches to lose power as it resets the wireless connection. Also, keep in mind for the automations that they require an internet connection so cutting the power to one switch could cause a smart action to fail if it hasnt reconnected to the network in time

 

 also is it possible that the second location was intended to be a switched outlet instead of a switch?

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Re:Virtual 3-way switching
2024-11-28 03:27:49

  @Riley_S Well yes, I could bypass the first switch and control the light from the second switch only.  But in many people, myself included, find it convenient to be able to control the light in the middle of a long hallway from either end.  I am not worried about internet outages; they are so rare I can't remember the last one.  The second switch would still work anyway.  And if the power is out I wouldn't have lights anyway.

 

I have other smart switches which have a rocker that clicks one way for on & the other way for off, and springs back to center after every manual switching.  Glad to hear that these Tapo switches only have one contact.

 

Thanks

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