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Message
How to make a dumb light switch smart?
Posted on 1/24/17 at 2:51 pm
Posted on 1/24/17 at 2:51 pm
Ok, I currently have an outdoor LED flood light that's the middle switch on a 3 switch panel. My question becomes, is there a way to make this middle switch smart?
The flood light is waterproof and has an internal built bulb so it's not as simple as replacing the bulb with a smart bulb.
I see the technology exists via LINK
but can that be used on a 3 panel outlet? Anyone ever run into my same scenario?
The flood light is waterproof and has an internal built bulb so it's not as simple as replacing the bulb with a smart bulb.
I see the technology exists via LINK
but can that be used on a 3 panel outlet? Anyone ever run into my same scenario?
Posted on 1/24/17 at 2:55 pm to DoubleDown
quote:
but can that be used on a 3 panel outlet?
The number of switches in your gangbox is irrelevant. So short answer is yes its possible.
Posted on 1/24/17 at 3:02 pm to DoubleDown
According to a CNET review, they will fit on multi-gang plates, but you can't install more than one side-by-side. It would certainly be a simple solution that wouldn't require a hub or anything, but is limited to bluetooth range. Alternatively, you could replace the switch with a smart switch, buy a hub, and let the smart-home addiction begin.
Posted on 1/24/17 at 3:04 pm to ILikeLSUToo
quote:
you could replace the switch with a smart switch
I'm down.
I already have a Wink Hub (original version). What wall switches would be compatible with a 3 or 4 switch?
Mine currently controls lights and a fan and all 3 are just regular on/off switches, no dimmers or nobs, etc.
Posted on 1/24/17 at 3:13 pm to DoubleDown
quote:
What wall switches would be compatible with a 3 or 4 switch?
You dont have a 3 or 4 wall switch. You have 3 individual switches in a large gangbox. Or 4 individual switches in a even slightly larger gangbox.
FWIW i finally clicked your link. I don't know anything about that stuff. I just assumed you were going to take out the dumb switch and replace it with a smart switch (of which there are numerous options).
This post was edited on 1/24/17 at 3:15 pm
Posted on 1/24/17 at 3:23 pm to bbap
quote:
You dont have a 3 or 4 wall switch. You have 3 individual switches in a large gangbox. Or 4 individual switches in a even slightly larger gangbox.
Thanks. I'm no electrician but I think I get what you're saying now. So in theory, I can just take the face plate off and just remove the 1 switch I want to make smart and leave the others? No different than I would just a single plate light switch, right?
Posted on 1/24/17 at 3:24 pm to DoubleDown
That's correct.
You will have wiring that jumps from switch 1 to switch 2, and from switch 2 to switch 3. But yes you can replace the middle switch with a smart switch and leave the outside switches dumb. Just make sure you wire it back correctly.
Wiring switches is really easy. Even in a multi-switch gangbox. If you have never done it just watch a couple of youtube videos. And make sure to cut the power first.
You will have wiring that jumps from switch 1 to switch 2, and from switch 2 to switch 3. But yes you can replace the middle switch with a smart switch and leave the outside switches dumb. Just make sure you wire it back correctly.
Wiring switches is really easy. Even in a multi-switch gangbox. If you have never done it just watch a couple of youtube videos. And make sure to cut the power first.
This post was edited on 1/24/17 at 3:27 pm
Posted on 1/24/17 at 3:30 pm to DoubleDown
Yes, I have two of those Switchmates and they work well (and mine are on multi-switch panels too). Downside is they are bluetooth and not wifi, but you can create a schedule for them that will work even when you are not home.
Posted on 1/24/17 at 3:32 pm to bbap
quote:
Wiring switches is really easy.
I've done 2 so far in my house but they were just single switches in a small box. This one has the multiple switches in a larger box so I was more intimidated by it.
quote:
And make sure to cut the power first.
Always. I generally cut the power to my whole house even for something as small as a switch. Electricity scares the shite out of me.
Posted on 1/24/17 at 4:41 pm to DoubleDown
I've used Wemo switches several times and really liked them. They can tend to be bulky though so make sure you have the room if you go that route.
Posted on 1/24/17 at 7:05 pm to htownjeep
I just installed 3 GE smart switches in a 3-switch box. It was a tight fit, but it worked. Wiring was interesting because one was a 3-way (for fan light), and one was for fan itself. So the electrician did some oddball things that made it difficult.
It's pretty straightforward if it's just a single switch (non 3-way). Wire it up per the instructions (you'll need the neutral/ground wires in the box), and link to a hub (if required).
I've also found most smart switches are Rocker switches and not toggle, although they are available. You may have to move the switch in the gangbox to match readily available combination wall plates, if that's the route you want to go.
It's pretty straightforward if it's just a single switch (non 3-way). Wire it up per the instructions (you'll need the neutral/ground wires in the box), and link to a hub (if required).
I've also found most smart switches are Rocker switches and not toggle, although they are available. You may have to move the switch in the gangbox to match readily available combination wall plates, if that's the route you want to go.
Posted on 1/25/17 at 9:37 am to DoubleDown
quote:
I already have a Wink Hub (original version). What wall switches would be compatible with a 3 or 4 switch?
lutron would be my choice. you can save $10-$15 by going with wemo, ge/jasco or leviton but you'll ultimately be happier spending the extra for the best.
you're looking at $55 or so for the switch and its worth every penny.
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