Newbie renovator looking at Fibaro lighting

Other Devices & Integrations Lighting & Load Control
1

Hi everyone,

I have just started a large renovation project on a Victorian house, and have been busily researching what I can do to add some automation. One of the first things I’m looking at is lighting, as all the switches will be replaced with nice shiny new metallic ones. I just want to sense-check my understanding so far, as I know nothing about electrics, and have only read a bit about zwave & vera.

It seems that the Fibaro modules are well-respected on here, and have the requisite size to put inside any new switch that I choose (probably Varilight). Am I right in thinking that…

  • I can use pretty much any switch with the Fibaros

  • I need a dimmer module for each independent light(s) that I want to dim, but if I have 2 different lights that can be dimmed together then I could use one dimmer module for them both. So, in the lounge, where I want separate control of the main lights and side lights, that will be 2 dimmers (and I’ll have to fit them inside the one box).

  • If I’m dimming stuff with less than 25W I’ll need a dimmer bypass. Although it says this is for LEDs, presumably some low-energy bulbs would also require this if there weren’t enough of them to multiply up to 25W?

  • If I don’t need dimming, I am best off with a 2x1.5kW module which will allow me to independently address 2 lights, although if I don’t have a neutral I’ll need to use dimmers (no idea when I am likely to have or not have a neutral - any explanation appreciated).

Lastly, with the modules retailing at £48 each the cost is soon going to add up. Has anyone found a supplier that will give a decent discount for buying in bulk?

Many thanks for your help.
John.

2

[quote=“wegotjoy, post:1, topic:171208”]Hi everyone,

I have just started a large renovation project on a Victorian house, and have been busily researching what I can do to add some automation. One of the first things I’m looking at is lighting, as all the switches will be replaced with nice shiny new metallic ones. I just want to sense-check my understanding so far, as I know nothing about electrics, and have only read a bit about zwave & vera.

It seems that the Fibaro modules are well-respected on here, and have the requisite size to put inside any new switch that I choose (probably Varilight). Am I right in thinking that…

  • I can use pretty much any switch with the Fibaros[/quote]

Yes. I use momentary switches, but normal on/off switches are fine too. You just change a parameter depending on which switch type you use

- I need a dimmer module for each independent light(s) that I want to dim, but if I have 2 different lights that can be dimmed together then I could use one dimmer module for them both. So, in the lounge, where I want separate control of the main lights and side lights, that will be 2 dimmers (and I'll have to fit them inside the one box).

Yes, one dimmer module can only control one light, although one dimmer module can be controlled by 2 switches

- If I'm dimming stuff with less than 25W I'll need a dimmer bypass. Although it says this is for LEDs, presumably some low-energy bulbs would also require this if there weren't enough of them to multiply up to 25W?

Yes, I would think so. I’m using them with LED lights, although I install them on normal lights as well (just in case, it is only a tenner more to save me messing with the electrics in the future).

- If I don't need dimming, I am best off with a 2x1.5kW module which will allow me to independently address 2 lights, although if I don't have a neutral I'll need to use dimmers (no idea when I am likely to have or not have a neutral - any explanation appreciated).

UK houses generally do not have neutral at the switch. There will be neutral at the light point, but that may not be the place where you can install the relay. It’s a PIA but the dimmer modules can also be used in a non-dimming mode by virtue of configuration (have not tested this myself)

Lastly, with the modules retailing at £48 each the cost is soon going to add up. Has anyone found a supplier that will give a decent discount for buying in bulk?

Many thanks for your help.
John.

Initially they were £42, but all retailers have increased their prices, but I have recently found http://www.swarmautomation.com/index.php which (still) asks for £40. Order of 3 units arrived very quickly, so can vouch for them

3

Just to add: I only buy the fibaro dimmers since they have the same price like the switches. Even for lights which I don’t really need to dim, I just like the effect of how the lights turn on and of (dimming up and down fast). And also this keeps me flexible in the future.

The fibaro switches are also nice to automate all kind of other things, for example I fitted some of them in my nespresso machine.

4

Thanks very much - that’s very useful info - I appreciate your time helping out.
John.

5

Not to mention the fact that most dimmers extend the life of incandescent bulbs :slight_smile: (A switch will engage at a random point of the AC wave, giving the bulb’s filament a jolt. Most dimmers engage at the 0-pass of the AC wave, switching on when the voltage is effectively 0v).

By the way, I was under the impression that unlicensed peeps are not allowed in the UK to do any electrical work except perhaps change the faceplates. A British friend of mine has the correct certifications but even he is not allowed to do electrical work as he’s not a member of what pretty much amounts to a guild.

6

You’re referring to Part-P: jugglefrogs.co.uk

I personally do not care much for these things. It’s my home and I bloody well do what I like in it :wink:

7

Same in Switzerland, even though I am an engineer I am basically not allowed to mount something “complicated” ;D like a fibaro switch.

But our insurances care in case of damage (i.e. fire).

8

My electrician will be doing everything and then giving me a nice certificate to say I’m legal!