Power Outlets: Most of the power outlets/sockets/receptacles (what is the preferred term?) in my home are quadruplex (is that right?), and all I see for z-wave is duplex. Am I then looking at a whole bunch of microswitches? And is that better anyway? I ask because I see that most of the z-wave duplex outlets only have one of the two sockets z-wave controlled.
Light switches: And I’m a little baffled by what I see in light switches. I have a few duplex paddles or flippers or again, what’s the term? I see several types of z-wave lightswitches with more than one switch on Amazon, but it’s not clear to me that any would take up roughly the same squarish size as two of these side-by-side paddles. And it seems that some of them are for controlling scenes, not for actually powering lights, so I’m confused as to what are the right items to buy.
Just a quick question for clarification. If you remove the faceplate, do you have an actual quad outlet, or are there really two duplex outlets in the same box?
I can’t tell what you have, but most quad receptacles(outlets is also common but is more accurately a subcomponent of a receptacle) are actually two duplex receptacles behind a quad cover. Take your cover off and see what you have.
I’ve only ever seen a single switched outlet on any of the Z-Wave duplex receptacles. It would be nice to have one that switched both outlets.
The selection of Z-Wave microswitches or power outlets is up to you and your application. Each has it’s purpose.
Light switches: And I'm a little baffled by what I see in light switches. I have a few duplex paddles or flippers or again, what's the term? I see several types of z-wave lightswitches with more than one switch on Amazon, but it's not clear to me that any would take up roughly the same squarish size as two of these side-by-side paddles. And it seems that some of them are for controlling scenes, not for actually powering lights, so I'm confused as to what are the right items to buy.
I'm not understanding your description here. In the U.S. most of the Z-Wave switches are of the [url=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F9LRXA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000F9LRXA&linkCode=as2&tag=zwavec-20]Decora style[/url]. Multiple single-switches are often installed in [url=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007N738M/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0007N738M&linkCode=as2&tag=zwavec-20]multi-gang boxes[/url] and covered with a [url=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009W3AE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00009W3AE&linkCode=as2&tag=zwavec-20]multi-gang cover plate.[/url]
In most cases Z-Wave switches, such as the GE/Jasco 45609 On/Off Switch, control a single load(one circuit of one or more lights) in a single Decora style form factor.
Leviton VRCS4-M0Z Vizia RF + 4-Button Remote Scene Controller looks the same as above but it is only a scene controller and does not control any local loads. It’s fifth button is used as a dim/brightness controller for the last selected scene.(This requires directly associated Z-Wave dimmers in order to work.)
You guys are correct regarding the receptacles (thank you). They are two duplexes side by side. But if I buy two duplexes will a quad faceplate work? It seems that would cover up the button between the two receptacles.
Thanks for explaining the light switches better! The very first link “Decora style” is broken but I kind of get the gist.
So in both situations, I can just put two devices next to one another (or install microswitches).
The extra scene control buttons in addition to light switches would be cool, and maybe I should pause and consider what uses I might have for such a thing.
Did I read somewhere that the Leviton’s don’t support some feature, was it beaming, or was that Lutron? Or maybe just more cluelessness on my behalf.
It seems like you would benefit from a trip to your local Home Depot or Lowe’s.
Did I read somewhere that the Leviton's don't support some feature, was it beaming, or was that Lutron? Or maybe just more cluelessness on my behalf. :)
It is more likely that you read that Leviton DOES support a Lutron patented feature called Instant Status. Most other brands do NOT support this feature.
So I did want to summarize the thread as I didn’t understand the physical home electrical components when I got started either.
Gang = Size of a single Duplex AC Outlet or light switch. This is also referred to a single gang.
Dual Gang = This is the space to put 2 single gang outlets. The covers are the items that make a dual gang outlet look like one piece, but it essentially has the space for 2 single gang outlets/switches.
Triple or Quad gang = Space for 3 or 4 receptacles.
Note - To extend a existing single gang to a dual gang, there are boxes that click on to the left or right of your existing gang. You can extend typically to the side opposite of where the existing gang is attached to the stud. http://www.amazon.com/Arlington-BE1-5-Electrical-Outlet-Extender/dp/B00303FYHS (note the video)
I had to do this for the Russound Audio Keypads in the room…as well as adding some 4 button hard wired scene controllers in the LR, MBR, and Entry.
^Great stuff. I am sure I will wind up doing that at some point.
Based on this thread, I picked up a couple of receptacles and switches. In some instances I will upgrade a single side and upgrade it’s duplex partner later. I was pleased to find plenty of things like these:
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