Securifi Community Forum

Sensors and Home Automation => Home automation => Topic started by: bigstock2001 on December 27, 2015, 12:15:45 pm

Title: Newbie question
Post by: bigstock2001 on December 27, 2015, 12:15:45 pm
I am just starting to get into home automation.  I am looking for light switches that will work with my almond + router.  If i am understanding it correctly I can replace the light switch and than be able to use my standard light bulbs in my flood lights and house.  If this is correct can someone recommend a toggle style switch that will work for what I am wanting.  Thanks
Title: Re: Newbie question
Post by: fillibar on December 27, 2015, 02:20:24 pm
Yes, replacing the switch can work. There are a couple factors though:
1) Is it a single switch or are there multiple controlling the same lights?
2) Do you want any ability to dim the lights?
3) Do you think you will want LED bulbs in the future?

With those things in mind, there are a number of Z-Wave switches that will do the job. GE, Linear, Leviton, and other companies all make switches that will be fine for simple on/off or any of the additional things I mentioned. If you are not in the United States that are other comparable products available.
Title: Re: Newbie question
Post by: bigstock2001 on December 31, 2015, 07:50:44 pm
thanks for the reply yes im just looking for simple on off and they are just single switched lights
Title: Re: Newbie question
Post by: fillibar on January 01, 2016, 01:16:29 am
Here are a couple Amazon links. Not the cheapest, but examples of what you might look for:
On/Off Toggle Switch (GE 12727): http://smile.amazon.com/GE-12727-Wireless-Lighting-Control/dp/B00PYMGOHM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1451628698&sr=8-2&keywords=z-wave+toggle+switch (http://smile.amazon.com/GE-12727-Wireless-Lighting-Control/dp/B00PYMGOHM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1451628698&sr=8-2&keywords=z-wave+toggle+switch)
On/Off Decora Switch (GE 12722): http://smile.amazon.com/GE12722-Z-Wave-Wireless-Lighting-Control/dp/B0035YRCR2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1451628698&sr=8-4&keywords=z-wave+toggle+switch (http://smile.amazon.com/GE12722-Z-Wave-Wireless-Lighting-Control/dp/B0035YRCR2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1451628698&sr=8-4&keywords=z-wave+toggle+switch)

Oddly, the decora is cheaper at the moment (I usually see them more expensive) but neither of these are what I would call deal prices especially for just an on/off.
Title: Re: Newbie question
Post by: mparadis on January 04, 2016, 08:59:30 am
If you check eBay and Amazon regularly you can often find these as provided by fillibar along with an auxiliary switch that can let you use them as three way switches for around $40 and sometimes less. Also, I usually get dimmer switches because they provide more function.
Title: Re: Newbie question
Post by: fillibar on January 04, 2016, 02:57:48 pm
Most lights can be done with dimming unless you specifically have CFL or LED bulbs that cannot dim. Like mparadis mentioned, I also usually watch a few places for deals, check stores for clearance, and usually go with dimmers for any lighting.