Hi there, I am new to this forum and to z-wave technology and I have a dimmer question for my new house…
1.) i have several n-way setups, IE, 4 locations that control a single set of flood lights.
Question
a.) Do i only need 1 Z-Wave Dimmer? and they rest normal dimmers?
b.) I see GE and Jasco sell two switch setups, but what about the other two locations?
c.) or do I get (1) Leviton VRI06-1LZ and then (3) Leviton VP00R-1LZ for this setup
2.) Sort of related, i have 6 z-wave schlage locks all around the house. I was hoping to use the dimmer switchs above to propagate the signal to the locks, is this possible? I saw several snipits about evolve being a “secure” method… do i need that? does evolve make an n-way setup?
It depends. Options a. b. and c. are all correct depending on the manufacturer and model that you choose. They each use different methods for the n-way remotes including standard switches, model specific wired remotes, and model specific wireless remotes.
Here’s a dimmer switch matrix that shows the features of the different switches and which remote/companion switches you would need to use for 3 or n-way installations.
In order for intermediate nodes to support locks there are two requirements. 1. the intermediate node cannot be a battery operated devices, since these do not route Z-Wave messages. 2. The intermediate node closes to the lock(the one that speaks directly to the lock) must support “beaming”. The above linked matrix shows which dimmers support beaming.
You’re one question looks like multiple questions and the answers are not simple.
Radio frequency(RF) range is the only thing that usually matters. Line of sight, or more correctly, clear line of sight refers to an ideal scenario with no obstructions to interfere or attenuate the RF signal. Having said that, Z-Wave RF is perfectly capable of propagating, or passing through, most residential walls including, wood, drywall, and to a lesser extent concrete and brick. It is not unreasonable to expect a minimum range of 70’ with clear line of site and a minimum of 15’ through most interior walls. But, RF being what it is, range varies in every situation. It can even vary(infinitesimally) due to changes in humidity.
With specific reference to locks and beaming through intermediate nodes: the last node, in what could be a chain of intermediate nodes, that talks to the lock must support beaming.
Don’t get hung up on beaming, it shouldn’t need to be a primary decision factor in choosing your dimmer. If you choose a dimmer that does not support beaming and later find out the you do indeed need a beaming capable node in the vicinity, you can always add another node. I often recommend the GE/Jasco 45603 Appliance Module for testing the locations of routing nodes. It is inexpensive, portable, and supports routing and beaming. They are great for moving around in a room to find the best spot from an RF perspective.