Dual Switches?

[airedale]

Hi Everyone,
 
I am just starting to get my toes wet in this wonderful world of home automation. As I am contemplating which technology I want to go with (Insteon or Z-Wave) for my wall switches, it occured to me that I have A LOT of dual switches. Have you guys run into this? And If so, how do you solve it? I have not seen any switches for HA that are dual.
 
Thanks!
 

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

By 'dual' you mean two/three/etc... way right?
 
Both technologies you mention offer slave or linc settings that offer this function.

 

[airedale]

I wanted to post a link to what I was talking about, but was unable to because I am too new.
 
I am talking about two switches on one gang. If you search dual switch on amazon, you will see what I mean.
 
And to further my question, a lot of my dual switches are two or three way switches... I am also wondering how I will crack that nut too!

 

[42etus]

These would work for you
 
http://www.smarthome.com/2486DWH8/KeypadLinc-Dimmer-INSTEON-8-Button-Scene-Control-Keypad-with-Dimmer-White/p.aspx

 

[electron]

Welcome to CocoonTech, your restrictions will be lifted with the next post.
 
As for dual switches in 1 gang, your options are EXTREMELY limited.  As far as I know, the only DIY friendly switch is the Simply Automated US22-40 UPB switch.

 

[airedale]

These would work for you
 
http://www.smarthome.com/2486DWH8/KeypadLinc-Dimmer-INSTEON-8-Button-Scene-Control-Keypad-with-Dimmer-White/p.aspx

 
I don't think it would based on the fact that it is only controlling one load. I need the module to control 2 loads.
 
 

Welcome to CocoonTech, your restrictions will be lifted with the next post.
 
As for dual switches in 1 gang, your options are EXTREMELY limited.  As far as I know, the only DIY friendly switch is the Simply Automated US22-40 UPB switch.

 
Those are super pricey - once I saw your link, I found this: http://www.smarthome-products.com/p-1271-leviton-vrcs2-mrz-vizia-rf-2-button-scene-controller-with-local-control-switch.aspx
 
Either way, this is starting to look pretty pricey!

 

[oberkc]

I use insteon, and am pretty confident that insteon does NOT offer a single switch capable of directly controlling two loads.  My perception is that this limitation is pretty common to z-wave, as well.
 
Yes, there are workarounds, but can require a bit more knowledge and creativity with regards to electrical wiring, as well as additional devices or modules.

 

[sda]

If you have the room on your wall, chop out your 1 gang box and put in a 2 gang. 
To be in the game, you're going to need to learn some basic electrical and drywall skills.

 

[electron]

I don't think it would based on the fact that it is only controlling one load. I need the module to control 2 loads.
 
 
 
Those are super pricey - once I saw your link, I found this: http://www.smarthome-products.com/p-1271-leviton-vrcs2-mrz-vizia-rf-2-button-scene-controller-with-local-control-switch.aspx
 
Either way, this is starting to look pretty pricey!

I don't think the Vizia switch supports controlling 2 local loads.  Looks like a Scene switch/keypad to me, but I might be wrong.  Yes the UPB unit is expensive, because you are basically getting 2 switches in 1 (since each load is treated as a separate load), plus it's in a smaller form factor.  Like I said, not aware of anyone else making these for use in a DIY home automation environment, so they can command these types of premiums.

 

[wuench]

1.) Use a keypad and inline module in the fixture
2.) For Insteon and fans use a keypad and fan controller module (which also allows 3-speed fan control)
3.) Already mentioned, replace the box.  If you are careful you can either gently pry the box out or cut the nails and get away without having to do any drywall repair when expanding the hole.  I usually feel around the staples too to make sure the wire sheathing isn't damaged.
4.) If multiple lights wire both loads to the same switch, if it doesn't exceed rating.

 

[Mr Spock]

The biggest reason there are no (that I know of) single gang switches that control/dim two loads is due to heat dissipation.  If you don't need dimming then it can be done (for heat reasons), but I don't know of any HA controlled single gang dual load on/off switches.
 
If this is really what you want (2 dimmable loads controled) then I think you will need to expand your wall box to dual gang like the guys stated above.

 

[JonW]

The biggest reason there are no (that I know of) single gang switches that control/dim two loads is due to heat dissipation.  If you don't need dimming then it can be done (for heat reasons), but I don't know of any HA controlled single gang dual load on/off switches.
 
If this is really what you want (2 dimmable loads controled) then I think you will need to expand your wall box to dual gang like the guys stated above.

 
Dan (electron) already posted a link to the UPB switch that controls two local loads.  It's the only one that I know of.  It's also works great in 2 and 3 way configurations.

 

[Mr Spock]

True.  I skimmed through this and missed his post, thanks for pointing that out to me.
 
Note that there are power rating limitations for this product (due to heat).  In a single gang box the two loads together must total under 800W, or 550W maximum each.  Which ever is less.

 

[Dogman]

Leviton does make a dual switch that will fit in a single gang for zwave ( vizia rf+). It is actually a combination scene controller that can be used as a scene controller or local load switch . I have two of them and the work great. A little confusing to set up because it takes 3 nodes in the network. One for the scene controller and two for the switch loads.


http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/ProductDetail.jsp?partnumber=VRCS2-MRZ&section=44147&minisite=10251

 

[ChrisCicc]

The only way to do this without changing the switch box is to use an Insteon KeypadLinc and a Micro module. The KeypadLinc controls one load, the Micro module gets stuffed in the box and controls the second load, and the KeypadLinc is linked up to remote control the micro module. You'll then have three buttons left over to use for different dim levels or as a remote control for other switches.