Advice for converting current light switches into smart switches. Shelly Dimmer or..

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Advice for converting current light switches into smart switches. Shelly Dimmer or..

bumpyflea

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#311216 23-Dec-2023 22:28

Hi. 

I'm wanting to try getting a number of my lights switches set up as smart switches which ideally have dimming functionality. (either replacing the switch or with something like a Shelly relay).

From what I've read so far, it seems like the Shelly Dimmer 2 could potentially be an option, though I'm a little confused by how it would work with my current switches + how many devices I would need. 

I have 4 zones (lounge 1 + kitchen + dining room + lounge 2) which are controlled by 3 separate switches as shown by attached image below.


All the lights are LED down lights, I think they are 12W dimmable ones. 

Questions:
1) Would the shelly dimmer 2 work with my current switches, and if I was to use the Shelly Dimmer 2, how many dimmers would I need to have the 4 areas setup?

2) are there any other devices that you could recommend over the shelly dimmer 2? I have good wifi coverage over house, though also a zigbee hub so happy to use either Wifi Or Zigbee devices if you can recommend something specific.


But definitely am looking for something that can run remotely without relying on internet.

Thanks for your help!

1 | 2

3353 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 648

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3175127 24-Dec-2023 08:08

Hey Jono.

I have been running Shelly Dimmer 2's in a similar configuration to this for a couple of years now. They have been rock solid. From the looks of it you will need four Shelly's for each separate light circuit. For existing two way switching Google will help with the wiring configuration.

Existing standard switches would work with on / off. If you wanted dimming from the switch you will need momentary / bell switches so that when you hold the switch down it dims or brightens the light.

I recommend the Shelly's. They are a great product.

Cheers, Matt

My views (except when I am looking out their windows) are not those of my employer.

rabba

96 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 26

ID Verified

Subscriber

#3175134 24-Dec-2023 08:38

Hi,

To have every room dimmed you would need to install a Shelly Dimmer 2 behind every gang and the Kitchen would need two dimmer/relays to control the Kitchen and Dining circuits. In the Kitchen gang with the amount of wiring from the 2-way switches and having two dimmers/relays it will start to get a bit tight in the box; this will be your biggest problem. All existing dimmer switches would need to be replaced and you need to ensure your lights are compatible with the Shelly dimmer. As above I would suggest you replace the switches with momentary (bell press). This will allow you to control each Shelly dimmer with a single switch function. The existing two-way switching wiring can then be wired back to each dimmer to allow you to have a second momentary switch to control the dimmer/relay from the secondary gangs, allowing you to turn on and dim each light from both ends.

Rich

BadCo

109 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 29

#3175178 24-Dec-2023 12:30

Shelly Dimmer 2s are great when paired with MQTT and Home Assistant.

You would need four, one for each zone. I would swap to press mechs and change the 2-way switching to just be parallel switches.

Obraik

2167 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1347

#3175252 24-Dec-2023 19:12

Another "local" option to look at are the PDL Iconic Wiser dimmer switches. They are zigbee devices and should integrate with your existing zigbee hub

I've had mine for a few months now and they've been working great

Looking to buy a Tesla? Use my referral link and we both get credits

MadEngineer

4637 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2614

Trusted

#3175264 24-Dec-2023 20:25

Do the iconic devices with with third party hubs?

You're not on Atlantis anymore, Duncan Idaho.

Obraik

2167 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1347

#3175269 24-Dec-2023 20:52

MadEngineer: Do the iconic devices with with third party hubs?

Yes, at least they work fine for me with Home Assistant using ZHA with a SkyConnect dongle.

Looking to buy a Tesla? Use my referral link and we both get credits

HP

Shop now for HP laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

angski

61 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 9

#3175271 24-Dec-2023 21:09

Obraik:

Another "local" option to look at are the PDL Iconic Wiser dimmer switches. They are zigbee devices and should integrate with your existing zigbee hub

I've had mine for a few months now and they've been working great

Does that mean that if you put an iconic wiser dimmer switch, you do not need two way or even three way switching?
if I can do that, that will save me alot of money. I am doing a new build and to add 2 way switching, i have to pay an additional 152+GST.

Obraik

2167 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1347

#3175272 24-Dec-2023 21:17

If you have a light/set of lights that you want to control via multiple switches then you only need one Wiser module. The other switches just need to have an Iconic control link capable momentary switch that has a control link cable going back to the Wiser module.

Looking to buy a Tesla? Use my referral link and we both get credits

LittleGreyCat

154 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 11

#3175290 25-Dec-2023 00:46

Quick sanity check.

I was looking at this a short while back, but in the UK lights are generally switched on the live so a single wire (always powered) goes to and from the switch.

Some automated light switches need a power circuit (that is, live and neutral) to work.

I have no idea if NZ wiring standards are the same.

lloydw

25 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 19

#3175398 25-Dec-2023 12:37

I’ve used the grid connect switches from Bunnings with great success with HomeAssistant. However they don’t offer dimming.

They’re Tuya WiFi , but I just block their internet access and use the localtuya plugin.

BadCo

109 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 29

#3175423 25-Dec-2023 17:15

LittleGreyCat:
Quick sanity check.

I was looking at this a short while back, but in the UK lights are generally switched on the live so a single wire (always powered) goes to and from the switch.

Some automated light switches need a power circuit (that is, live and neutral) to work.

I have no idea if NZ wiring standards are the same.

Modern houses (i dont know exact dates, definitely post 2000s) have 2c+E run to the switch. Older houses may have only a 2c for feed to the switch and return from the switch.

AliExpress

Shop now on AliExpress (affiliate link).

bumpyflea

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#3175492 25-Dec-2023 21:38

Thanks heaps for all the replies guys!

Really appreciate the comments and suggestions! After a fair bit more reading and your comments thinking the Shelly Dimmer is looking like a good option!

One other question. Could anyone recommend a good sparky in Palmerston North (ideally who is familiar with the Shelly devices) that is reasonably priced. I don't really trust myself to wire them in properly and would rather have a professional do it. (I'll order the devices)

Tinkerisk

4903 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3821

#3175494 25-Dec-2023 21:49

I use flat hue wall switch modules packed behind the existing wall switches.

Qui nihil scit, omnia credere debet. - He who knows nothing must believe everything.
Firewalls do NOT stop dragons. Really not!
I avoid Big Tech. They try hard to dictate technology and „culture“ across borders.
In effect we have everything to hide from someone, and no idea who „someone“ is.

bumpyflea

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#3175903 27-Dec-2023 23:44

Actually I have another question as well..
Just wanting to confirm if the following lights + led drivers would be compatible with the Shelly Dimmer 2?

In dining room there are 3 of these lights on 1 circuit. And lounges have 4 lights each on their own circuit..

Driver

Led light

I saw somewhere that if your device is less than 20W for the Shelly Dimmer you need a relay?
So would Shelly Dimmer 2 work for these (if there are 3 or 4 on a circuit) without a relay or would I need a relay as well?

How about if I wanted to use a Dimmer in our bedroom (which just has a single light same as above). Bulbs say they are 12W so seems like they are under the 20W for Dimmer by itself?

Thanks again for the advice!

lctham

59 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 8

ID Verified

#3177531 4-Jan-2024 11:46

just piggybacking off this post, just wondering which Shelley modules do I need to make 4 gang light switches 'smart'? I don't require dimming. Also I have multiple switches controlling the same set of lights, does this complicate things further or just need to put a module into each switch (I will be getting an electrician to do all the installation). Thanks in advance

1 | 2