I want to install a timer switch (it has four wires, red (load), black (hot), white (common), green (ground) to replace one switch in a 2-gang switch box having five incoming cables (see first photo). One switch controls the fan (want to replace with timer), the other switch (3 way) turns on the recessed ceiling lights. I made a diagram and attached pictures.
Which of the two common pigtails will I tie the switch common wire to? Also can someone confirm that my black hot wire ties into the black pigtail? And that I create a new pigtail to tie the red source for the switch to the black of cable #5?
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Best Answer
First, let's label these cables:
Please confirm that this is correct:
Note that if this diagram is correct, the power and neutral for the 3-way switched recessed lights is separate from everything else. That is perfectly fine, but you need to keep it separate.
Replacing the fan switch
"Top"/"Bottom"/"Left"/"Right" are to be ignored when it comes to old switch vs. new switch because each manufacturer (and even each model within a manufacturer) does things differently. In your particular case, the new timer/switch has colored wires so that makes it easy: