Wiring switches for UPB compatability

[snickster]

Hi . I'm new to Home Automation and relatively new to CooonTech.

I have a new house under construction and the electrician has just come into the picture. Recently I purchased the M1 Gold system and plan to use it.

I want to be sure that all my switches and associated fixtures can be later retrofitted with UPB devices. From what I understand they have to be wired correctly or a UPB device will not work.

In reading some of the UPB literature , I read that UPB devices use the Neutral ( WHITE wire) .
The Electrician just looks at me funny when I say that.
HE says on a normal 2 way switch , he uses 12-2 wire with a White Neutral wire , a black hot wire , and a Bare ground wire. On a 3 way switch he uses a 12-3 wire which has all the above plus an additional red hot wire.


Could some of you knowledgeable tech Gurus please tell me what I need to know so I can communicate to him what he needs to know so UPB devices will work in the future ?

Thanks for your help !!

Snickster

 

[Event5]

The quick answer is request a neutral in every switch box and ask for deap boxes. In the past it was common for electricians to wire a light switch with a hot and the load. You should request that there be a white "common" in every box.

Dave

 

[tyler electric]

The quick answer is request a neutral in every switch box and ask for deap boxes. In the past it was common for electricians to wire a light switch with a hot and the load. You should request that there be a white "common" in every box.

Dave

FYI, this really should not be much extra work for your electrician either and should not result in much additional expense to you.

 

[snickster]

Thanks for the info. Just trying to "NOT mess this up " !!

I'm sure I'll be begging for more advice as this project unfolds.

Best Regards ,
snickster