I’ve got 2 outdoor GFCI outlets that I’d like to control with zwave… but I haven’t found a GFCI zwave receptacle, nor have I been able to find a receptacle where zwave controls both of the sockets.
Thoughts?
I haven’t seen one either. I’d recommend standard GFCI outlet + 2 of these: http://www.amazon.com/GE-Wireless-Lighting-Control-Outdoor/dp/B0013V8K3O
Depending on your local area’s electrical code, you could probably also use a GFCI breaker with standard Z-Wave receptacles.
There are, as yet, no duplex Z-Wave receptacles with two switched sockets.
That’s what I was thinking as well, but I just wanted to mention that the way the cord is, you probably couldn’t get two plugged into an outlet without some sort of modification.
Not ideal for outdoor use, but I use these all the times when plugs/brick adapters don’t fit.
1ft extension cords. http://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-10-Pack-3-Prong-Outlet-Extension/dp/B00CEJW0WQ/
If the outlet is on a string that starts with gfci, then you should be good. Code where I live has the outlet in the garage gfi and outside outlets are attached to it and are gfi thru it. Or as recommended above a break would do as well
[quote=“johnes, post:1, topic:182591”]I’ve got 2 outdoor GFCI outlets that I’d like to control with zwave… but I haven’t found a GFCI zwave receptacle, nor have I been able to find a receptacle where zwave controls both of the sockets.
Thoughts?[/quote]
GFI as stated can be done down the line or at the breaker.
If you want to control either both outlets at the same time or individual outlets (rather then only one) You’ll have to get creative with Aeon Labs Aeotec Z-Wave Micro Smart Energy Switch or switches. You do NOT have to run a switch to these. But you will not have a manual on switch on the outlet.
Don’t hold your breath waiting for a zwave gfci. You can put zwave receptacle downstream for a regular gfci. Just wire it to the load side of the gfci and then anything connected to that is gfci protected. Most gfci receptacles are not listed for outdoor use so you can’t put a zwave receptacle in outside locations though.
The GE ZWave weatherproof dongle may be best bet. I used two of those for the Christmas lights last year.
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As suggested, to get the functionality you’re looking for I’d put the outside circuit (possibly circuits in your case) on a GFCI breaker, so you can use regular outlets and see if you can tuck Aeotec’s (or some equivalent) behind them to make both Z-Wave controlled (no manual switch).
I changed the feed to our shed to a GFCI breaker, so I could install Z-Wave outlets. I didn’t need both sockets controlled. AFAIK, GFCI at breaker vs. outlet is solely a matter of cost. For the same reason, you may not like this either. Also, RF signal quality might be a concern (depending on location, box type, etc.; always hard to predict). Cheapest alternative might be the outdoor GEs (one per outlet). That’s what we have outside.
[quote=“johnes, post:1, topic:182591”]I’ve got 2 outdoor GFCI outlets that I’d like to control with zwave… but I haven’t found a GFCI zwave receptacle, nor have I been able to find a receptacle where zwave controls both of the sockets.
Thoughts?[/quote]
I have something like this:
I have a short outdoor cord plugged into my normal GFCI outdoor outlet. I have it go into this box which then has the z-wave module and anything else electrical in it for seasonal lights. Its been outside for a year and buried under snow in the winter. Stays completely dry. I thought about using the outdoor z-wave module but decided this was better for multiple items I wanted to plug in and stay dry.