I converted a three way switch in my dining room to a single pole smart switch and plan to put a blank wall plate where the old switch resided. I identified the common wire and the two travelers (one red, one black). At the switch that is being removed, I connected the black traveler wire to the other black wire that goes to the fixture.
The red traveler wire is now disconnected in both boxes, but when I turn the switch to on, my non-contact voltage tester shows that the disconnected red wire is hot in both boxes. How is this possible? Isn't it disconnected from all power sources?
Admittedly, I am an amateur and this is my first time doing this, but I understand (at least I thought I did) the concept here.
