LIGHT SWITCH

Community Playground Getting Started & Initial Setup
#1

I need some help selecting a light switch to replace an old timer switch. This switch will be used to control a front porch light. The light bulbs are LED but do not need to be dimmed.

I am just getting started and many of the posts in the form were confusing to me. I had tried a plug from Lowe’s but it did not work with my system…are there any from local stores that would work or do I need to buy online?

Thanks!!

#2

[quote=“JDL131, post:1, topic:189995”]I need some help selecting a light switch to replace an old timer switch. This switch will be used to control a front porch light. The light bulbs are LED but do not need to be dimmed.

I am just getting started and many of the posts in the form were confusing to me. I had tried a plug from Lowe’s but it did not work with my system…are there any from local stores that would work or do I need to buy online?[/quote]
If you don’t need dimming, and want to be sure to avoid the flicker that comes with using a smart switch tied to a light source other than incandescents, your best bet is to use a non-dimming relay switch (and make sure it uses a neutral wire). If you don’t care about instant status reporting to Vera, then I suggest you go buy a Leviton DZS15-1LZ switch. I installed on recently to control a bathroom exhaust fan. It’s the only non-instant-status switch in my house. They’re around $40. Amazon has them here, and you should be able to find them at Lowes. Definitely at Home Depot.

#3

Opinions… Everybody has one.

One of the least expensive options is going to be the
GE12722 On/Off Switch (Which is available at Lowe’s.)

The GE 12727 Toggle On/Off Switch is also available if you do not want the Derora style.

If you plan to use the switch to also activate other Z-Wave devices or trigger Vera scenes, then you will want a switch that supports Instant Status. For this, you would need to use the Leviton VRS15-1LZ Vizia RF + 15A Scene Capable Switch

#4

Heh heh… agreed. And as far as I know, the GE switches are cheaper. I admit I don’t (and won’t) own anything except for Leviton switchgear, so I’m biased.

#5

How do we distinguish between switch that supports Instant Status and the one not. Do we have to go deep into specification sheet to know that ? Regards,

#6

Fairly positive GE support instant status. I like my ge switches. Have had no issue with them, they are also repeaters (not everything is). Plus I like the idea of being able to go to Lowes to get something if I am working on a project.

#7

GE/Lutron switches do not support instant status.

#8

Leviton and Cooper switches support true instant status. (Regardless of distance).
GE has a form of instant status that works only if the GE switch is close enough to the Vera to talk to the Vera directly, you lose instant status on GE switches if they are far from the Vera and have to rely on routing through other node.

For all other light types Vera usually will pick up the status of the light with in a minute or two, if the switch does not support instant status.

#9

Thanks everybody!

#10

Thanks to all of you. I learned few new things today.