July 30, 2015 14 Comments
As much as we love Aeon Labs micro switches, they can be a pain to install. Here are the 3 key ingredients for a quick and easy set-up of the switches:
Like with any Z-Wave switch, you will need a neutral connection in each gang box to properly install the micros. Speaking of wiring, if you are looking to install the on/off micro switches in a 3-way setting, use the diagram below (anything else you find in the manuals or online will bring you nothing but trouble).
You will need both line and load in the master gang box for the 3-way installation to be successful.
Last but not least, here are a few useful programming adjustments to get the most functionality out of your Aeon Labs micro switches:
- Parameter 120 = 1 set as default for on/off toggle mode OR 0 for momentary switch
- Parameter 3 = 1 for overload protection
- Parameter 80 = 1 to report status change - controller immediately shows status change if you turn the switch on or off manually
Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments below!
February 10, 2017
Hi Brent, good question! Just like with any Z-Wave switch, it can be associated with other devices in your network and can be controlled with a virtual add-on switch like the LTM-5 or a Z-Wave scene controller. So you can hide the relays behind a dry wall and decide where and how you want to add local control for them with Z-Wave scene controllers.
February 09, 2017
Do you have to connect these to a traditional switch or can you have them controlled by scene controllers / other zwave devices?
February 07, 2017
Hi David, even though Aeotec publishes the live diagrams as an option, we don’t recommend implementing them because in the long run it may damage the switches anyway. If you’re having issues with reliable control, we would try disconnecting the module from the 3-way and see if you can control it from SmartThings as a single-pole to see if the wiring plays a part here.
February 05, 2017
This was really helpful, I have wired mine up slightly differently (using a 3 way live implementation but it all works except for the fact that i cant seem to reliably turn it off from smartthings. thoughts on what might be the cause?
December 02, 2016
Hi Ann! The Vision dual relay can be connected in a 3-way without live wiring just as shown in the Aeotec diagram. So the most important thing to check for is that you have neutral, ground, line, load, and traveler all in one box. We have a dedicated wiring diagram for the Vision module so feel free to email us about it!
November 26, 2016
I have a quick question: can I hook up one of your dual relay to control a 3-way switch?
May 27, 2016
Hi Todd,
Thanks for the question! Dimmers will not work in a 3-way configuration because they are based on the push-button mechanism. So even if you replaced regular switches with momentary, you would still not be able to use a dimmer in this configuration.
We recommend replacing your traditional switches with Z-Wave in-wall dimmers to execute a 3-way configuration. We write more about the process here:
http://www.thesmartesthouse.com/blogs/the-smartest-blog/114982596-wiring-z-wave-switches-do-s-and-don-ts
Let me know if that was helpful!
May 24, 2016
Does the 3/4-way wiring differ for the dimmer modules? Specifically, would I connect load and line to the dimmer module and then use momentary switches in place of the toggle switches in the diagram above? Have you or anyone else got that working? Thanks in advance!
February 17, 2016
Hi Matthew, each hub has a different home automation software with a unique way to adjust settings for each device. Some controllers do not allow users to change parameters within the interface so if you are not seeing the option to adjust parameters in device settings, we recommend contacting Harmony’s support for more info on how to address the issue. Sorry we could not be of more help here!
February 04, 2016
Parameters? How do I set these parameters? I noticed that my Harmony Home Hub Extender doesn’t seem to recognize state changes when I flip a wall switch manually. It looks like parameter 80 might be the key to this.
December 28, 2015
Thanks for tip #1. I was going out of my mind.
October 01, 2015
Andrew, thanks for the question. If you only have one bulb per switch, we would not recommend using the micro switch with an 8W bulb. You would be better off replacing the in-wall switch with one of the newer GE switches which all work well with low-voltage lights:
http://www.thesmartesthouse.com/search?type=product&q=ge+switch
The micros may work well for a while but there is a good chance they will eventually fail under an 8W load. I hope that helps!
September 30, 2015
Does the 20W requirement apply to all of these? I run all LEDs (non dimmable) that are around 8W. Would any of the models here work? I am not interested in dimming, just on/off.
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June 28, 2024 1 Comment
Welcome to the ultimate guide on transforming your home with smart lighting. We want to focus on the solutions that are most helpful in creating a comfortable, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing environment. Whether you're just beginning your journey into home automation or looking to expand your existing setup, understanding the nuances of smart lighting is essential. Let's jump in!
Imagine your lights gradually brightening in the morning, simulating a natural sunrise to help you wake up gently and feel more refreshed. In the evening, your lights gradually dim, creating a calming atmosphere that can help you unwind and prepare for a good night’s sleep. Sounds perfect, right? But how exactly do you get there?
Ron
May 03, 2019
What is the overload protection! Can it be reset? How?