Wiring An Insteon On/Off Switch (2477s)

[smokegrub]

I have a toggle switch in the bathroom that controls lights above the mirror and operates in strict on/off mode. When I pulled the switch to replace it with an Insteon on/off switch (2477s) i found the following:

Two separate “hot” black wires (line) on the bottom terminal and a single black wire (load) at the top terminal.
An apparent ground wire (bare copper) unattached in the box.
A bundle of white wires stuffed in the back of the box and unattached.

What do I have to attach to the Insteon switch given that all that is wired to the traditional switch are 2 line wires and a load wire? I have the wiring diagram but I would like confirmation before I plow ahead.

[mwester]

Not sure what part is confusing you, but I'm guessing it's the two hot (line) wires?  If so, that's just a common way to continue the hot wire on to other outlets or switches in the room (or nearby rooms).

If it's actually got two separate wires under one screw, then I'd suspect that outlet wasn't put in by a real electrician...  So, you get the chance to not only put in an Insteon switch, but to correct a sloppy bit of wiring as well!  (Note that it's just fine if it's one wire that enters the box, goes under that screw, and continues on out of the box -- that's a lot of extra work for an electrician (it's a PITA to strip wire in the middle of a length and get it under the screw), but meets code AFAIK).

The ground wire and the load wire are obvious, I expect -- the white (neutral) on the Insteon switchlinc connects to the bundle of white wires in the box, and the two line wires need to be connected together along with the black line wire from the Insteon switchlinc.

[LarryM]

Work with power disconnected. Using a DVM or AC tester, confirm no voltage is present in box before proceeding.

White of 2477 goes to white bundle (neutrals), may have to use a Red wire nut for the whites.

Black of 2477 goes to the existing two wires (hots) of the old switch, use a Yellow wire nut for the three blacks.

Red of the 2477 goes to Black load wire, use Yellow wire nut.

Copper wire on 2477 to solid copper wire with Orange wire nut, other end of solid copper wire to box ground.

 

After all connections are made, I use a 1/2” by 1/2” by 8” piece of wood to position wires in the box and neatly compress the wires to the back of the box.

Note: Prior to adding a tinned wire from the Insteon switch, it is important that solid wires in a bundle be neatly twisted together with pliers so these wires self support each other without the need of a wire nut. Always confirm a wire nut is sized to the number of conductors in a bundle. Always check the final wire nut installation for all wires properly terminated with no copper exposed at the mouth of the wire nut (except ground of course).

 

 

 

Edited October 16, 2018 by LarryM

[smokegrub]

My thanks, guys. You have confirmed my assessment. Will proceed.