We have a situation like the following:
The only difference is the wire on the far right switch going from the switch up to the light is red instead of black.
All of those switches are powered and control each other but don't control an actual light. My thought is one of the two main living lights may previously had been a fan or something that are no longer there.
We want to remove the 2 switches on the outsides and make the middle 4 way just a single pole.
To note, the two we want to remove are each part of gang boxes with other switches so the cables would still be fully accessible later on by taking the switch face plate off for future owners.
I feel like I've tried everything. I have pulled all 3 switches out and capped off every wire individually and somehow there is still power coming in? Please help.
Also for clarity, my goal is to add a wink relay on that middle switch.
Best Answer
Right box
Connect the black wire from the power source to the black wire on the cable going to the middle switch box (this will be the hot wire to the new switch).
Connect the black wire from the lamp to the red wire going to the middle switch box (this will be the switched hot from the new switch).
Connect the white wire in the cable going to the middle switch box to the two white wires already bundled. Remove the black marking (this is now a neutral going to the new switch, even if it is not used).
Middle box
Connect the black wire from the right box to one pole of the switch, the line side if there is a distinction (this is hot).
Connect the red wire from the right box to the other pole of the switch, the load side if there is a distinction (this is now the switched hot).
Leave the white wire capped unless the switch needs it. Remove the black marking (this is now a neutral to be used by a smart switch if needed).
Cap all the wires going to the left box.
Left box
Cap all the wires.