Smart wifi switch with dimmer support

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Pars56

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#250617 18-May-2019 20:44

Hi,
I would like to use a basic level of smart lighting system in my new house build. I am only after a wifi switch with dimmer support that can be installed by a verified electrician (pass ANZ tests and certified).
I understand Belkin WEMO is out of NZ market.
I heard Nue Zigbee switch could be an alternative but could not find any company/shop that sell them.
Any advice with alternative smart switches that can be purchased in NZ would be appreciated.

Thanks

1 | 2

1015 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2240673 18-May-2019 22:21

I recently purchased a wifi in-wall dimming module with Google and Alexa support.

NZ$ 28.32 31%OFF | Tuya Smart WiFi Dimmer Switch Module Transform Traditional Switch 150W Smart Switch Dimmer Work with Alexa Echo Google Home
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/c7hyzbni

Just remember to swap out the on/off switch for a 'push' switch.

Cheap as chips and won't mess with your faceplate of choice in your new build.

Voice gives context

mattwnz

20141 posts

Uber Geek

#2240674 18-May-2019 22:39

I am using Philips hue bulbs in conventional fittings in a new build. I am using the tap switches (got a few for $10 on special recently which don't require batteries), as well as dimming switches, as well as the hue app, alexa, and homekit support. All are wifi, and I can use voice control to dim lights which is really easy. I can always go back to conventional lights, or switch hem out for new lights and switches if they fail. The good thing about hue , is you can use the app anywhere in the world to turn on and off lights in your home. I do also use wemo switches for appliances controlled by Alexa. The big problem is just how fast technology changes, and how old models cease being supported. So not keen on hardware that can't be easily switched out.

alasta

6703 posts

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Subscriber

#2240701 19-May-2019 08:44

mattwnz:

I am using Philips hue bulbs in conventional fittings in a new build. I am using the tap switches (got a few for $10 on special recently which don't require batteries), as well as dimming switches, as well as the hue app, alexa, and homekit support. All are wifi, and I can use voice control to dim lights which is really easy. I can always go back to conventional lights, or switch hem out for new lights and switches if they fail. The good thing about hue , is you can use the app anywhere in the world to turn on and off lights in your home. I do also use wemo switches for appliances controlled by Alexa. The big problem is just how fast technology changes, and how old models cease being supported. So not keen on hardware that can't be easily switched out.

I have the same setup, with the only disadvantage being the risk of the master switches being turned off by guests who are unfamiliar with the system.

I have considered putting tape/stickers on the master switches to deter people from using them, but it would look messy.

Pars56

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2240722 19-May-2019 10:16

sdavisnz: I recently purchased a wifi in-wall dimming module with Google and Alexa support.

NZ$ 28.32 31%OFF | Tuya Smart WiFi Dimmer Switch Module Transform Traditional Switch 150W Smart Switch Dimmer Work with Alexa Echo Google Home
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/c7hyzbni

Just remember to swap out the on/off switch for a 'push' switch.

Cheap as chips and won't mess with your faceplate of choice in your new build.

Thank you for your reply. However, as mentioned I am only after switches which can be legally purchased here and are NZ certified (for insurance purposes).

billgates

4705 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2240723 19-May-2019 10:20

Why not buy some thing like Aeotec or Fibaro Z wave dimming module that sits behind a standard switch? ZWave USB running off a PC can be had for $100. ZWave is also lot more reliable than WiFi

Do whatever you want to do man.

Pars56

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2240724 19-May-2019 10:21

mattwnz:

I am using Philips hue bulbs in conventional fittings in a new build. I am using the tap switches (got a few for $10 on special recently which don't require batteries), as well as dimming switches, as well as the hue app, alexa, and homekit support. All are wifi, and I can use voice control to dim lights which is really easy. I can always go back to conventional lights, or switch hem out for new lights and switches if they fail. The good thing about hue , is you can use the app anywhere in the world to turn on and off lights in your home. I do also use wemo switches for appliances controlled by Alexa. The big problem is just how fast technology changes, and how old models cease being supported. So not keen on hardware that can't be easily switched out.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Philips hue bulbs are expensive for my project. I don't want to change all down lights and bulbs. I am only after using smart wifi switches which can be controlled by App and through google assistant voice control. This way I would need only one switch per room/area with probably one hub.

Cheers,

chevrolux

4962 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#2240744 19-May-2019 10:58

I grabbed one of those Tuya modules and find the 'off' position of the dimmer isnt actually off. I was just testing with an LED down light and when the dimmer was off, there was still a glow on the lamp.

Edit: FWIW, a sparky wont install these modules in NZ. They aren't certified etc. If you are happy and understand the risks though, go hard.
Also, I've been chasing a wifi controlled dimming module for a long time now, and haven't found anything that actually works well yet. The zwave modules are much better, but I REALLY dont want to add zwave to the mix, it's a pain in the as5

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sdavisnz

1015 posts

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#2240763 19-May-2019 11:40

chevrolux: I grabbed one of those Tuya modules and find the 'off' position of the dimmer isnt actually off. I was just testing with an LED down light and when the dimmer was off, there was still a glow on the lamp.

Edit: FWIW, a sparky wont install these modules in NZ. They aren't certified etc. If you are happy and understand the risks though, go hard.
Also, I've been chasing a wifi controlled dimming module for a long time now, and haven't found anything that actually works well yet. The zwave modules are much better, but I REALLY dont want to add zwave to the mix, it's a pain in the as5

Sounds like your using an incorrect switch with this device.

A simple on/off switch won't work, you need a momentary switch like a push button switch.

Voice gives context

Pars56

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2240775 19-May-2019 12:23

sdavisnz:
chevrolux: I grabbed one of those Tuya modules and find the 'off' position of the dimmer isnt actually off. I was just testing with an LED down light and when the dimmer was off, there was still a glow on the lamp.

Edit: FWIW, a sparky wont install these modules in NZ. They aren't certified etc. If you are happy and understand the risks though, go hard.
Also, I've been chasing a wifi controlled dimming module for a long time now, and haven't found anything that actually works well yet. The zwave modules are much better, but I REALLY dont want to add zwave to the mix, it's a pain in the as5

Sounds like your using an incorrect switch with this device.

A simple on/off switch won't work, you need a momentary switch like a push button switch.

The same here. I don't want to add z-wave devices.

Is that true there is NO WIFI Smart Switches in NZ?

chevrolux

4962 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#2240781 19-May-2019 12:42

sdavisnz:
chevrolux: I grabbed one of those Tuya modules and find the 'off' position of the dimmer isnt actually off. I was just testing with an LED down light and when the dimmer was off, there was still a glow on the lamp.

Edit: FWIW, a sparky wont install these modules in NZ. They aren't certified etc. If you are happy and understand the risks though, go hard.
Also, I've been chasing a wifi controlled dimming module for a long time now, and haven't found anything that actually works well yet. The zwave modules are much better, but I REALLY dont want to add zwave to the mix, it's a pain in the as5

Sounds like your using an incorrect switch with this device.

A simple on/off switch won't work, you need a momentary switch like a push button switch.

No this is just testing on my bench. I have a vynco LED down light wired in to the dimmer, and a push button on the switch input.

When i press the switch to turn it off, there is still a small glow on the LED lamp. I haven't done much futher testing though, was meaning to meter the output and see if there is actually a voltage present. My other thought was the LED is just glowing from induction - the circuit is quite cramped in that little unit!

Have you got yours running on LED lights?

Edit: Should add too, when turning it "Off" on the Tuya app, the glow is still present.

chevrolux

4962 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#2240782 19-May-2019 12:46

Pars56:

The same here. I don't want to add z-wave devices.

Is that true there is NO WIFI Smart Switches in NZ?

I think I am right in saying the only modules that can legally be installed in NZ are the z-wave variants. But again, if a piece of paper isn't important to you and you understand the risks, the aliexpress ones are an option. But the only ones I have found to work properly are the ones that replace the entire wall plate.

sdavisnz

1015 posts

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Trusted

#2240785 19-May-2019 13:08

chevrolux:
sdavisnz:
chevrolux: I grabbed one of those Tuya modules and find the 'off' position of the dimmer isnt actually off. I was just testing with an LED down light and when the dimmer was off, there was still a glow on the lamp.

Edit: FWIW, a sparky wont install these modules in NZ. They aren't certified etc. If you are happy and understand the risks though, go hard.
Also, I've been chasing a wifi controlled dimming module for a long time now, and haven't found anything that actually works well yet. The zwave modules are much better, but I REALLY dont want to add zwave to the mix, it's a pain in the as5

Sounds like your using an incorrect switch with this device.

A simple on/off switch won't work, you need a momentary switch like a push button switch.

No this is just testing on my bench. I have a vynco LED down light wired in to the dimmer, and a push button on the switch input.

When i press the switch to turn it off, there is still a small glow on the LED lamp. I haven't done much futher testing though, was meaning to meter the output and see if there is actually a voltage present. My other thought was the LED is just glowing from induction - the circuit is quite cramped in that little unit!

Have you got yours running on LED lights?

Edit: Should add too, when turning it "Off" on the Tuya app, the glow is still present.

Yep vynco kit too, works fine. 4x led downlights.

I don't care about NZ certificate, NZ is so far behind the times it's not funny.

Voice gives context

sdavisnz

1015 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2240786 19-May-2019 13:08

chevrolux:
sdavisnz:
chevrolux: I grabbed one of those Tuya modules and find the 'off' position of the dimmer isnt actually off. I was just testing with an LED down light and when the dimmer was off, there was still a glow on the lamp.

Edit: FWIW, a sparky wont install these modules in NZ. They aren't certified etc. If you are happy and understand the risks though, go hard.
Also, I've been chasing a wifi controlled dimming module for a long time now, and haven't found anything that actually works well yet. The zwave modules are much better, but I REALLY dont want to add zwave to the mix, it's a pain in the as5

Sounds like your using an incorrect switch with this device.

A simple on/off switch won't work, you need a momentary switch like a push button switch.

No this is just testing on my bench. I have a vynco LED down light wired in to the dimmer, and a push button on the switch input.

When i press the switch to turn it off, there is still a small glow on the LED lamp. I haven't done much futher testing though, was meaning to meter the output and see if there is actually a voltage present. My other thought was the LED is just glowing from induction - the circuit is quite cramped in that little unit!

Have you got yours running on LED lights?

Edit: Should add too, when turning it "Off" on the Tuya app, the glow is still present.

Yep vynco kit too, works fine. 4x led downlights.

I don't care about NZ certificate, NZ is so far behind the times it's not funny.

Voice gives context

lchiu7

6470 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2240790 19-May-2019 13:31

sdavisnz:
chevrolux:

sdavisnz:
chevrolux: I grabbed one of those Tuya modules and find the 'off' position of the dimmer isnt actually off. I was just testing with an LED down light and when the dimmer was off, there was still a glow on the lamp.

Edit: FWIW, a sparky wont install these modules in NZ. They aren't certified etc. If you are happy and understand the risks though, go hard.
Also, I've been chasing a wifi controlled dimming module for a long time now, and haven't found anything that actually works well yet. The zwave modules are much better, but I REALLY dont want to add zwave to the mix, it's a pain in the as5

Sounds like your using an incorrect switch with this device.

A simple on/off switch won't work, you need a momentary switch like a push button switch.

No this is just testing on my bench. I have a vynco LED down light wired in to the dimmer, and a push button on the switch input.

When i press the switch to turn it off, there is still a small glow on the LED lamp. I haven't done much futher testing though, was meaning to meter the output and see if there is actually a voltage present. My other thought was the LED is just glowing from induction - the circuit is quite cramped in that little unit!

Have you got yours running on LED lights?

Edit: Should add too, when turning it "Off" on the Tuya app, the glow is still present.

Yep vynco kit too, works fine. 4x led downlights.

I don't care about NZ certificate, NZ is so far behind the times it's not funny.

Just to add another data point to this. In a discussion I was having somebody who is also keen on HA, if you install a non-approved switch and you have a fire in your house that might be traceable to the switch, then all bets are off in terms of insurance. It's pretty unlikely but just saying. Or even if it's not traceable to the switch but in the investigation after a non-approved switch was found, then again the claim gets murky.

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mattwnz

20141 posts

Uber Geek

#2240793 19-May-2019 13:51

Pars56:

mattwnz:

I am using Philips hue bulbs in conventional fittings in a new build. I am using the tap switches (got a few for $10 on special recently which don't require batteries), as well as dimming switches, as well as the hue app, alexa, and homekit support. All are wifi, and I can use voice control to dim lights which is really easy. I can always go back to conventional lights, or switch hem out for new lights and switches if they fail. The good thing about hue , is you can use the app anywhere in the world to turn on and off lights in your home. I do also use wemo switches for appliances controlled by Alexa. The big problem is just how fast technology changes, and how old models cease being supported. So not keen on hardware that can't be easily switched out.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Philips hue bulbs are expensive for my project. I don't want to change all down lights and bulbs. I am only after using smart wifi switches which can be controlled by App and through google assistant voice control. This way I would need only one switch per room/area with probably one hub.

Cheers,

I only buy when they have a big discount on them. If I was to build again, I would avoid downlights and go wit pendants. Or use downlights where the bulbs are switchable. Downlights caused this project to be delays by months, because the contractor ended cutting the wrong sized holes, and we had to find alternative lights to fit the larger holes.

Have already had several of these all in one downlights fail, and they are a PITA because the electrician has to come in to first test them, and then order a new one.

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