Smart dimmer light switches

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Smart dimmer light switches

Shanemc

51 posts

Master Geek

#272119 10-Jun-2020 10:55

So I recently discovered Alexa and thought what a great idea - what about some light control. I have since spent a week going down the internet rabbit hole of smart lights...

The only thing that I really need is control dimming. Colour seems a bit of a gimmick to me.

We have a number of dimmers around the house, which are now failing (late 80's installs probably) - so I was trying to cost up moving to smart lights, with smart dimmers. It seems bulbs are probably around 25-30.

I have only seen a couple of smart wall dimmers - with no prices

Does anyone know what the options in NZ are and current prices?

Something that looks like a normal switch.

All I can see is the Arteor range?

https://hpm.co.nz/switches-sockets/indoor-2/arteor-with-netatmo/

I cant see anything from PDL.

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377 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2502145 10-Jun-2020 11:27

Also interested, we will probably do something like this so we can keep our existing switches, although I would need a dimmer function as well.

https://www.bunnings.co.nz/deta-smart-inline-switch-with-grid-connect_p0098816

Shanemc

51 posts

Master Geek

#2502146 10-Jun-2020 11:27

Answering my own question.

Looks like one option is the Philips Hue lights:$50 for a smart dimmer, then $29 a bulb from Mitre10. I cant work out if you need a bridge or not - anyone know? Looks a bit ugly though - would prefer something that is not a remote and a more refined switchplate.

davidcole

4915 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2502148 10-Jun-2020 11:27

PDL have a range I believe. PDL nero. Which is Aeotec Zwave rebadged with price premium.

Probabaly worth reading through https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=73&topicid=251234 which covers a lot of the same ground.

Previously known as psycik

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Shanemc

51 posts

Master Geek

#2502156 10-Jun-2020 11:42

Thanks, that thread looks useful.

Have just tried to looking for PDL Nero, and I can see it looks like a behind the switch smart relay solution. Not easy to find on the internet. Wonder if they do dimming?

davidcole

4915 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2502160 10-Jun-2020 11:46

Shanemc:

Thanks, that thread looks useful.

Have just tried to looking for PDL Nero, and I can see it looks like a behind the switch smart relay solution. Not easy to find on the internet. Wonder if they do dimming?

Aeotec to a dimmer, and regular switched. I just had a quick look at the pricing, and it's about $1500/$2700 for a kit. I don't know what they use as a controller, maybe a vera edge.

But the same stuff you can buy a switch for about $100 and a controller for $100. That's for more a DIY solution. You might also be able to look at a vera edge, there are some users here that prefer them as they're more plug and play than setting up Home Assistant/OpenHAB on a machine.

esawers

377 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2502173 10-Jun-2020 11:58

Some behind switch dimming options

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/ADPBRS0001/Brilliant-Smart-Jupiter-Dimmer-Connector-Make-your?qr=GShopping&gclid=CjwKCAjw5vz2BRAtEiwAbcVIL1XXMKybwY6p0tkUpouv6ULvBUIFhCrlGsV2I4IB-Dq6NQbh4mkspxoC2soQAvD_BwE

https://shop.smartlife.nz/products/smart-wi-fi-dimmer-mech

Shanemc

51 posts

Master Geek

#2502207 10-Jun-2020 13:03

Thanks!

I'm quite liking the look of this solution

https://shop.smartlife.nz/products/smart-wi-fi-dimmer-mech

I'm not sure it will work with our current switch - which I think are PDL600's. But nice that it would fit with some other easily sources faceplates.

esawers

377 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2502213 10-Jun-2020 13:17

Yeah I have emailed them asking the same question (PDL600's here too)

They are compatible with HPM, Clipsal and Vynco branded wall plates, and when I googled another product, it was compatible with HPM and PDL so they can't be too different???

gzt

11542 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2502542 10-Jun-2020 20:13

Shanemc: Looks like one option is the Philips Hue lights:$50 for a smart dimmer, then $29 a bulb from Mitre10. I cant work out if you need a bridge or not - anyone know? Looks a bit ugly though - would prefer something that is not a remote and a more refined switchplate.

Bridge is required. Phillips is offering Bluetooth bulbs in some markets, not in NZ yet.

esawers

377 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2502560 10-Jun-2020 20:55

esawers:
Yeah I have emailed them asking the same question (PDL600's here too)

They are compatible with HPM, Clipsal and Vynco branded wall plates, and when I googled another product, it was compatible with HPM and PDL so they can't be too different???

They replied and confirmed it is compatible with PDL 600 series

Shanemc

51 posts

Master Geek

#2502582 10-Jun-2020 22:06

esawers:
esawers:

Yeah I have emailed them asking the same question (PDL600's here too)

They are compatible with HPM, Clipsal and Vynco branded wall plates, and when I googled another product, it was compatible with HPM and PDL so they can't be too different???

They replied and confirmed it is compatible with PDL 600 series

Interesting. This would seem like the perfect solution. Just checked and our switches are PDL500's. Hopefully the same module system as the 600's. The button in the picture for the dimmer module looks more rounded, while my ones seem more squared. Going to have to explore this further. Thanks for putting me onto this. Its looking quite promising.

fearandloathing

240 posts

Master Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2502685 11-Jun-2020 08:19

gzt:
Shanemc: Looks like one option is the Philips Hue lights:$50 for a smart dimmer, then $29 a bulb from Mitre10. I cant work out if you need a bridge or not - anyone know? Looks a bit ugly though - would prefer something that is not a remote and a more refined switchplate.

Bridge is required. Phillips is offering Bluetooth bulbs in some markets, not in NZ yet.

The smart dimmer doesn't require a bridge. It can be paired directly with a bulb.

chevrolux

4567 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2502737 11-Jun-2020 08:38

esawers:
esawers:

Yeah I have emailed them asking the same question (PDL600's here too)

They are compatible with HPM, Clipsal and Vynco branded wall plates, and when I googled another product, it was compatible with HPM and PDL so they can't be too different???

They replied and confirmed it is compatible with PDL 600 series

Really? They look like Clipsal/Schneider mechs to me... I guess they could fit 600 series with a mod clip of some sort... but they certainly aren't going to sit nicely as-is in a 600 series if they are true to the picture on the site.

Shanemc

51 posts

Master Geek

#2502745 11-Jun-2020 09:09

Yes I agree, I looked at a few pictures last night and comparing the pdl versus HPM/Clipsal design, and it clearly looks like the more rounded Clipsal ones. It would probably clip in, but wouldn't look right.

It would be nice if there was something similar for the PDL600, but I haven't seen it yet. I had started putting a few Iconic switches in, when I renovated the study. So that could be a direction to head in. I have tried to exploring what is available in that range - but its hard to find much information. They dont seem to have a wifi option - something that is bluetooth with an app. hard to find clear info on this. Or price...

dt

676 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2502790 11-Jun-2020 10:37

esawers:

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/ADPBRS0001/Brilliant-Smart-Jupiter-Dimmer-Connector-Make-your?qr=GShopping&gclid=CjwKCAjw5vz2BRAtEiwAbcVIL1XXMKybwY6p0tkUpouv6ULvBUIFhCrlGsV2I4IB-Dq6NQbh4mkspxoC2soQAvD_BwE

the review on pb site on this product is hardcase, looks like its come directly from the brilliant marketing department, it even directs you to take a look at the other products on the brilliant website

Sonoff is another really good and cheap option, they dont have compliance in nz but theres a distributor in AU that got them complied for the Australian market and afaik we have the same electrical standards

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