120v landscape lights / dusk-to-dawn removal.

Other Devices & Integrations Lighting & Load Control
1

I have an existing set of lights connected through the usual outdoor photocell. I would like to remove that photocell and put in a controller that my vera can talk to. The lights are wired on their own circuit into the service panel.

Any ideas on what controllers exist that are outdoor ready and can be used simple replace the photocell unit.

Thanks in advance.

2

I use a GE/Jasco 45604 Z-Wave Wireless Lighting Control Outdoor Module to control my outdoor LED chain and my water fountain.

I use the sunset and sunrise timers to turn on and off the front porch, back yard scenes.

3

Thanks for the responses so far.

I just realized that when the electrician wired the lights he wired them through a normal light switch in the living room too. So I can just make the photocell always active and control the lights by replacing the light switch with a z-wave switch.

So my question now is which is a good switch to use? Most of the lights are compact fluorescents.

Thanks.

4

How many lights? How many watts total? Most switches are 15 Amps. With 120 volts, that gives you 1800 watts.

If you already have a certain brand of Z-Wave switches, you can use the same brand if it fits. If not, most any relay (on/off) switch will work.

Homeseer has a matrix: http://store.homeseer.com/store/HomeSeer-Z-Wave-OnOff-Wall-Switch-Comparison-W7.aspx

Leviton: VRS15 (15 amp - don’t use the VRS05)
GE: 45609 (15 amp)
Evolve: LSM-15 (15 amp)
Cooper Aspire: RF9501 (15 amp) & RF9518 (8 amp)
Intermatic/InTouch: CA3000 (15 amp)

I’m sure there are others!

You could also use a combination controller/switch, such as Leviton VRCS2-MRy, VRCZ4-MRy, or VRCS4-MRy, where y = X (White/ivory/almond) or Z (White/ivory/light almond). More info on Leviton’s site.

5

Since you said you didn’t even know the switch controlled the lights I’m guessing you don’t actually use the switch at all. If that’s the case I recommend the GE on/off switch (relay). It’s fairly low cost compared to the high-end Leviton and Cooper stuff and since you will only be using it via Z-wave I don’t see a need for a more expensive switch. I’ve been using the GE switches in my house for about a year now with no problems. I get them from Amazon; look for sales because the price goes up and down like crazy. I’ve gotten them as low as about $35 although the usual price is much higher.

6

Thanks for the response. I will take a look at what people have suggested and see where I end up.