max wattage for z-wave 4 way light switch

Other Devices & Integrations Lighting & Load Control
1

Hi

I am wiring a major reno with z wave through-out. The one area, an entrance way, has 4 entrances leading from it, so I want to put a light switch at each entrance. Does anyone know whether I can 4 way any type of Zwave switch set, and what the max wattage of bulbs that such a set up could support. So far I have found “Evolve” which will support the 4 way switching but will only support 600 watts of bulbs, which is too low for the area.

Your help much appreciated.

Chris

2

Most of the Z-wave switches will support 4-way since the auxiliary switches simply signal the master switch to switch the load. I know the GE switches will. Most of the dimmers that I have seen are limited to 600W, or less if the switch is ganged in a box (when you gang them you have to break off part of the heat sink and that derates the switch). If you don’t care about dimming the on/off versions of the switches are typically rated higher than the dimmers. The Leviton on/off switches, for example, are rated for 15A loads.

3

Leviton makes 2 dimmers:
VRI06, which is a 600 watt dimmer
VRI10, which is a 1000W watt dimmer

As you put multiple devices in a switch box, the wattage goes down.

VRI06 alone = 600W, with 1 other device = 500W, with 2 or more, 400W
VRI10 alone = 1000W, with 1 other device = 800W, with 2 or more, 650W

If you haven’t bought devices yet, I’m much happier with the Levitons. Prices are a quite a bit more, but the support being commanded directly by scene controllers, etc.

I’ve converted most of the GEs to Levitons.

4

For the VRI06 and VRI10, according to the instruction sheet, you can have up to 4 remotes with LEDs, or 9 without LEDs; so should be ok for your 5-way application.