Question Problematic Smart Switch

lothian-mcadam

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Jan 19, 2014
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I wired a "MOES" brand 3-way smart switch at a desired location in my home and set-up the thing within the SmartLife app. Mechanically, the 3-way switch works as expected; and I can toggle the smart switch ON/OFF within the SmartLife app.
So far so good; however...

Two problems within the SmartLife app:
1) the app displays the switch as online but always OFF; and,
2) the app will turn ON the switch as scheduled but it will not turn it OFF when scheduled.
The SmartLife app reports all is good with the switch. Bottom line: While I can control the switch remotely within the app, I have no idea of the status of the lights and automation is not possible.

I’ve done the intuitive t’shooting whatnots with no change within the SmartLife app:
- confirmed wiring is correct;
- confirmed distance-to-router is not a factor;
- re-paired the smart switch to the SmartLife app;
- relocated the switch to the other end of the 3-way circuit;
- disconnected ground a/o load from the circuit;
- swapped the affected switch with a known-good MOES 3-way smart switch I currently use elsewhere in my home;
- replaced the problematic smart switch with a new MOES 3-way smart switch.
I also connected a different brand smart switch at the same location. Result: SmartLife app displays the switch online but always ON (!?) with the same scheduling problem.

Interestingly, when I bench test either smart switch in a 3-way configuration, the SmartLife app displays the correct ON/OFF switch status and ON/OFF scheduling works! This confirms 1) both smart switches work properly; and 2) the SmartLife app is getting accurate status information from the switch. This also suggests the hot a/o neutral wires are the culprit? ...like maybe noise across either/both conductors causes a status sensing issue that the switch’s CPU broadcasts as errata to the SmartLife app? I don't know how to test this theory or how to detect noise in the 3-way wiring.

Both SmartLife and MOES have not been helpful with this issue so I'm hoping someone reading this post can offer some insight.
 
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Read my post all the way thru.
I did, thus the questions.

If you can't be bothered to respond, others can't be bothered to help. Kind of how this forum thing works.

BTW, as your test bench experience showed everything working properly, your wiring may indeed (as you suggested) be the problem and changing switches may not solve the issue.

Good luck. Might be time to consult an electrician.
 
The brands of smart switch are MOES and TREATLIFE, both $20 and both 'Made in China'. I chose the MOES because it's the only up/down toggle smart switch on the market, and it matches all the other switches in my house. That it's only twenty bucks is nice also!
 
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