![]() ![]() GE Z-Wave: Requires a neutral wire, so I did not look further. As I wanted a fast solution that I could return if it did not work, this was not ideal. I was also not able to immediately find it at retail stores. The Leviton was the first option I found but I did not buy it because it seemed costly. Which is again hard-to-find information, which makes the system even more initially confusing. It is also "batteryless", in the sense that it is solar-powered. There is also a motion sensor option, which Leviton seems to think is more important than the remote switch option because it is mentioned more often and more prominently. So, no batteries in the stick-on transmitter switch. I have my doubts that this can be reliable, but Leviton claims it works. ![]() What happens is that wall switch transmitter actually uses the energy created by pressing the switch itself. This seems paradoxical, and therefore confusing, and it took me a while to figure what the hell it was all about. Leviton WSS10: This is a rather nifty system where the transmitter units actually need no batteries. One Amazon reviewer also had poor operation with Costco LED lamps. But I did not investigate this much after I found it requires a neutral wire to install. INSTEON SwitchLinc: This is a pretty and appropriately-priced switch system that seems to have a lot of features. However, if you have the time and inclination, it may be a good option. Skylink offers options like a plug-in controller for plug-in lamps, which was nice, but not enough to sell me on this system. the appearance of the switch with the snap-in remote could be confusing for wife and kids. the as-supplied wall switch looks rather poor, and really requires a "snap-in remote" (sold separately) to make it look properly finished, and the compatibility with LEDs was slightly uncertain, and This system is fairly simple and does support point-to-point control without needing any kind of wireless controller or hub.Īlthough arguably the least expensive, I did not choose this system because: Syklink Home: available at Amazon and Home Depot. Keep this in mind when ordering and ensure you have a cost-effective way to return items that do not work. Nobody really guarantees their "LED-compatible" system will actually work with all LED bulbs - there is always a risk things will not work right. (The Leviton 6696 wired switch does not require a neutral, so having one in place does not guarantee that a neutral is present in the box. If you do not know, it is safer to get a version that does not require a neutral wire to operate. Many wireless receivers require a neutral wire to be present in your wall box. The battery-operated switch that you stick on a wall, without any wiring, is a "transmitter". In the lexicon, the switch that goes in your existing wall box and hooks up to the fixture wiring is the "receiver". This may or may not be your priority when just trying to replace a point-to-point switch. Some seemingly require you to 'buy in' to their ecosystem, starting with some kind of hub unit that provides for control via PC or smartphone apps. Oddly, not all systems actually support these features. You probably also want a wall-mounted wireless switch that mimics the appearance of a regular switch, rather like the original Leviton kit did. Obviously many people who want to replace a point-to-point switch want a point-to-point solution. Competition is great but sifting the choices takes waaaay to much time (bloody hell). Home automation "solutions" have utterly exploded and everyone wants to sell you a kit that does everything for everything, including automation, wireless support, PC control, remote / offsite control,. ![]() Hope not.įinding a replacement is not easy. This does make me wonder if this switch has been leaking electricity 24/7 in my home for the past ten years. As I keep bitching to my wife, it's never easy, and there is ALWAYS SOMETHING. This is a common issue but it didn't exactly make me happy, because it is time for a switch replacement. ![]() The switch refused to turn fully off, allowing enough current for 3 of the 15 bulbs to remain dimly lit. Of course, on install, I found our Leviton "Anywhere Switch" kit (model 6696) did not work with these bulbs. Home Depot has a decent price on Philips 60W equivalent candelabra bulbs, which do provide equivalent brightness. The issue was always brightness and - with CFLs - the turn-on time. LED bulbs have finally got to the point where it is worth replacing 60W candelabra bulbs in our "main" entryway fixture with LEDs. ![]()
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