No more wiring 3-way and 4-way switches...

[cybrdyke]

www.casetawireless.com

The new Caseta Wireless from Lutron is perfect for retrofitting old 3-way or 4-way light switches. In an older home, like mine, it's nearly impossible to pull wires thru the walls or floors whenever I want to add a light fixture. In rooms where there is no light fixture, there is even a receptacle control that plugs right in, allowing you to switch lamps on and off by simply sticking a "switch" onto the wall...no cutting in an old work box, no fishing wires, no drilling stud plates...just attach it to the wall wherever you want to.

Even better are the features that are more high-tech. The new Apple watch comes with an app for Caseta that's installed at the Apple factory. You can put a remote in your car to turn on the lights when you open the garage door.
You can set your smart phone to turn off all your lights when you get 1.7245 miles away from your home (or whatever geo-fence you want).
You can put a switch in your house to turn on or off the lights in your detached garage.
So many options are available and it's so easy to install.
For those of you fussing around with 3-way and 4-way switches, just throw them out and put this in!
Good luck!!
CD
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lutron-Caseta-Wireless-600-150-Watt-Multi-Location-In-Wall-Dimmer-with-Pico-Remote-Control-Kit-White-P-PKG1W-WH-D/205365522?MERCH=RV-_-rv_homepage_rr-_-NA-_-205365522-_-N

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I think we rely too much on the cloud. What about an outage or hacker?

Hackers have already succesfully hacked a smart meter grid system!

I say no thx to most home automation! I will stick with my tried and true 3-way switches!

 

[Mustang51js]

I just had a house where I am using 4 of these, they actually work pretty good and have a 10 year battery life

 

[cybrdyke]

I think we rely too much on the cloud. What about an outage or hacker?

Hackers have already succesfully hacked a smart meter grid system!

I say no thx to most home automation! I will stick with my tried and true 3-way switches!

No cloud necessary.

This stuff works without being connected to the internet, so unless someone breaks into your house, pairs their remote up to your switch and then returns some day just so that they can turn your lights on or off, I'd say your pretty safe.

If you want the really fancy stuff, like being able to turn up your air conditioning while you are driving home from work, then yes, it is connected to the internet. There are security provisions built into it.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

I think we rely too much on the cloud. What about an outage or hacker?

Hackers have already succesfully hacked a smart meter grid system!

I say no thx to most home automation! I will stick with my tried and true 3-way switches!

 

[wyliesdiesels]

No cloud necessary.

This stuff works without being connected to the internet, so unless someone breaks into your house, pairs their remote up to your switch and then returns some day just so that they can turn your lights on or off, I'd say your pretty safe.

If you want the really fancy stuff, like being able to turn up your air conditioning while you are driving home from work, then yes, it is connected to the internet. There are security provisions built into it.

I know the switches u posted dont work with the cloud. I was replying to your info about the apple watch.

and built in security provisions? Lol Tell that to the banks!

No security provision is 100% hacker proof!

Weve already seen that with the banking systems, pentagon, Iran's centrifuge VFDs, etc etc

 

[cybrdyke]

I think we rely too much on the cloud. What about an outage or hacker?

Hackers have already succesfully hacked a smart meter grid system!

I say no thx to most home automation! I will stick with my tried and true 3-way switches!

You dang kids with your cockamamey gizmos.....GET OFF MY FORUM!!!!!

 

[mobiledynamics]

Aesthetically, I don't like the look of the switches....I prefer Vareo or Maestro myself...
But that is a subjective question at the end of the day

 

[cybrdyke]

Aesthetically, I don't like the look of the switches....I prefer Vareo or Maestro myself...
But that is a subjective question at the end of the day

I dont disagree.
You can accomplish the same entry level of control using Maestro wireless. Plus, you can add in wireless motion control, which is really cool. But...these products are generally considered commercial/professional grade and so they cost alot more.
The Caseta is built more for homeowners that dont own a million dollar mansion.

 

[DC73]

Hackers have already succesfully hacked a smart meter grid system

Where did this happen? I'd like to read up on it. I couldn't find any credible news stories about electric utility systems smart meter computer servers being hacked or where the grid itself was hacked.

On the other hand, there are news stories all over with tales of customers hacking their own smart meters in order to change the programming and reduce their own electric bills. That's nothing more than the digital way of turning your meter upside down.

By the way, for those who would be stupid, electricity theft is often a felony offense regardless of the dollar amount stolen.

DC

 

[MTW]

Grid Hacking

DC73 Where did this happen? I'd like to read up on it. I couldn't find any credible news stories about electric utility systems smart meter computer servers being hacked or where the grid itself was hacked.

It's been happening for years, you really don't hear about it much, because they really don't want the flock to become alarmed.

http://money.cnn.com/2014/11/18/technology/security/energy-grid-hack/

https://www.google.com/search?q=electric+grid+hacking&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

I wouldn't worry as much about the grid, as I would the electronic money we use. Or the guberment loosing all your personal info, as well as your benefits.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2103000/uk-man-charged-with-hacking-us-federal-reserve.html

http://krebsonsecurity.com/2012/04/fbi-smart-meter-hacks-likely-to-spread/

https://www.google.com/search?q=smart+meter+hacking&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

Plenty of info is out there, for those willing to seek it out, the media has the job of keeping it away from the sheeple as to not cause alarm, or give them any ideas.

MTW Ω

 

[Chevy-SS]

So how do these work? For instance, my workbench lights have only one switch (above the workbench). I would love to add another switch by the entry door. Can I use two of these and create a wireless 3-way?

Thanks

-

 

[cybrdyke]

So how do these work? For instance, my workbench lights have only one switch (above the workbench). I would love to add another switch by the entry door. Can I use two of these and create a wireless 3-way?

Thanks

-

You would change the existing switch to the new one. It has 2 black wires that are not polarized. They connect to the black and white that are on your existing switch.
Then you would take the remote and mount it to the wall wherever you want.
You'd be in for about $70.

Additionally, you could keep another remote in your pocket, on a key chain or clipped to the visor of your car.
You can have several remotes, so your wife or kids could have one....

 

[Chevy-SS]

You would change the existing switch to the new one. It has 2 black wires that are not polarized. They connect to the black and white that are on your existing switch.
Then you would take the remote and mount it to the wall wherever you want.
You'd be in for about $70.

Additionally, you could keep another remote in your pocket, on a key chain or clipped to the visor of your car.
You can have several remotes, so your wife or kids could have one....

Damn, that's a good option. Thanks....

Like you, I cannot easily run wiring. I just built the frakkin' garage and it pisses me off that I didn't think of running extra wires or conduits or something, wtf......

-

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

You dang kids with your cockamamey gizmos.....GET OFF MY FORUM!!!!!

Remember that when all hell breaks loose in the world and the only thing running is my old model A with a flathead and a magneto.
So are you a sales rep for those guys?Thats what your original post looks like to me anyway.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

^^^

 

[wyliesdiesels]

It's been happening for years, you really don't hear about it much, because they really don't want the flock to become alarmed.

http://money.cnn.com/2014/11/18/technology/security/energy-grid-hack/

https://www.google.com/search?q=electric+grid+hacking&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

I wouldn't worry as much about the grid, as I would the electronic money we use. Or the guberment loosing all your personal info, as well as your benefits.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2103000/uk-man-charged-with-hacking-us-federal-reserve.html

http://krebsonsecurity.com/2012/04/fbi-smart-meter-hacks-likely-to-spread/

https://www.google.com/search?q=smart+meter+hacking&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

Plenty of info is out there, for those willing to seek it out, the media has the job of keeping it away from the sheeple as to not cause alarm, or give them any ideas.

MTW Ω

No kidding!

And definitely to the money comment. The bankers want us to be a cashless society and everything done electronically! No thanks!

 

[harleybuilder]

We have a master bath that has a second entrance from a utility room, that doesn't have light control for the bathroom at that doorway. I assume I change the switches at the main entrance with these and mount remotes at the second entry door and be able to control the bathroom lights from both entries?

 

[theoldwizard1]

My buddy put one in (diferent brand) for his wife so she can turn the outside light on at the barn probably 200' from the house. Works well.

The remote part looks just like a light switch with double sticky tape so you can slap it on any wall anywhere. Looks odd just laying on the kitchen counter.

 

[cybrdyke]

We have a master bath that has a second entrance from a utility room, that doesn't have light control for the bathroom at that doorway. I assume I change the switches at the main entrance with these and mount remotes at the second entry door and be able to control the bathroom lights from both entries?

Yeah, just change the existing switch to the Caseta Switch and cover plate.
Then mount the remote switch in it's wall bracket right to the wall by the other entrance. Cover with wall plate. Done.

You'll need this kit that has both switches and a wall plate for one of them: $60
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lutron-Caseta-Wireless-600-150-Watt-Multi-Location-In-Wall-Dimmer-with-Pico-Remote-Control-Kit-White-P-PKG1W-WH-D/205365522
And this little bracket: $7
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lutron-Caseta-Wireless-Pico-Wall-Plate-Bracket-PICO-WBX-ADAPT/205071775
And this wall plate for the new switch: $4
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lutron-Claro-1-Gang-Wall-Plate-White-CW-1-WH/100093841

Good luck
CD

 

[harleybuilder]

Yeah, just change the existing switch to the Caseta Switch and cover plate.
Then mount the remote switch in it's wall bracket right to the wall by the other entrance. Cover with wall plate. Done.

You'll need this kit that has both switches and a wall plate for one of them: $60
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lutron-C...mote-Control-Kit-White-P-PKG1W-WH-D/205365522
And this little bracket: $7
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lutron-Caseta-Wireless-Pico-Wall-Plate-Bracket-PICO-WBX-ADAPT/205071775
And this wall plate for the new switch: $4
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lutron-Claro-1-Gang-Wall-Plate-White-CW-1-WH/100093841

Good luck
CD

Thank you sir. . Another problem solved with the help of good people on GJ [emoji106]

 

[Platonic Solid]

I have an annoying switch buried in a bookshelf that would be a major PITA to relocate. This looks like a perfect solution.

Thanks for the heads up CD

 

[BLUE72CAMARO]

Do they have them available without a dimmer? I could use one to turn the exhaust fan on in my back building from my front without running 100 foot of wire to do so...

 

[harleybuilder]

Do they have them available without a dimmer? I could use one to turn the exhaust fan on in my back building from my front without running 100 foot of wire to do so...

Couldn't it be used as a regular switch and just not use the dimmer? Or at least I'm hoping that it will work like that, since my plan is to use 2 of them to control bathroom light and fan from a second entry door.

 

[Trey T]

Z-wave home automation system can do stuff like this and endless of other things.

 

[RickP]

Do they have them available without a dimmer? I could use one to turn the exhaust fan on in my back building from my front without running 100 foot of wire to do so...

I like the Insteon brand switches from Smarthome.com - they have a non-dimmer switch that's rated for motors. They use both wireless and powerline signals to communicate with each other.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

My buddy put one in (diferent brand) for his wife so she can turn the outside light on at the barn probably 200' from the house. Works well.

The remote part looks just like a light switch with double sticky tape so you can slap it on any wall anywhere. Looks odd just laying on the kitchen counter.

For a conversation piece; I am tempted to get one to run a lite on my pole shed, and mount it on the dining room window glass.. maybe hang a few wires out of a flower pot to boot.

 

[cybrdyke]

Caseta does offer a switch and a remote that is ONLY On/Off, with no dimming. The part numbers are:
Switch PD5WSDV
Pico Remote: PJ22BGWHL01

You will only find these at your local electrical supply house, not Home Depot or Amazon.
Good luck
CD

 

[larry4406]

I'm interested in this solution for adding a 3-way light switch to an existing single pole circuit.

Does anyone make a normal looking "pole" type switch? Do not want a decora (rocker) type switch or some other modern button thing.

The existing single pole switch is in a quad box with 3 other switches so I want to retain the existing look. The added end to the 3-way would be in a 3-gang box with 2 other light switches.

 

[MikeF2316]

I have an old house too. But the basement has a drop ceiling, and the attic is unfinished, so I can see the top and bottom of each interior wall, which are all hollow. So running wires is easy for me.

I don't trust this stuff. These companies have a way of disappearing, or changing their standards requiring you to buy all new in 5 years if you want to change/add anything.

 

[James-W]

No kidding!

And definitely to the money comment. The bankers want us to be a cashless society and everything done electronically! No thanks!

I don't think there will be a choice for at least a portion of this. For example, I am retired and I don't have a choice as to how my retirement money is sent to me each month. It is direct deposit only, they will not send me a check.

Also, if you take a trip somewhere, you almost have to use a credit card. Very few "out of town" places will take a personal check these days, it is either cash or credit card, so unless you want to carry around a sack full of money a credit card is the easiest way to go. I don't particularly like this any more than you do, but it does seem this is the direction in which the world is heading.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

www.casetawireless.com

The new Caseta Wireless from Lutron is perfect for retrofitting old 3-way or 4-way light switches. In an older home, like mine, it's nearly impossible to pull wires thru the walls or floors whenever I want to add a light fixture. In rooms where there is no light fixture, there is even a receptacle control that plugs right in, allowing you to switch lamps on and off by simply sticking a "switch" onto the wall...no cutting in an old work box, no fishing wires, no drilling stud plates...just attach it to the wall wherever you want to.

Even better are the features that are more high-tech. The new Apple watch comes with an app for Caseta that's installed at the Apple factory. You can put a remote in your car to turn on the lights when you open the garage door.
You can set your smart phone to turn off all your lights when you get 1.7245 miles away from your home (or whatever geo-fence you want).
You can put a switch in your house to turn on or off the lights in your detached garage.
So many options are available and it's so easy to install.
For those of you fussing around with 3-way and 4-way switches, just throw them out and put this in!
Good luck!!
CD
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lutron-Caseta-Wireless-600-150-Watt-Multi-Location-In-Wall-Dimmer-with-Pico-Remote-Control-Kit-White-P-PKG1W-WH-D/205365522?MERCH=RV-_-rv_homepage_rr-_-NA-_-205365522-_-N

Spoken like a true sales rep!

 

[Jim_No_Garage]

I don't trust this stuff. These companies have a way of disappearing, or changing their standards requiring you to buy all new in 5 years if you want to change/add anything.

BTDT - got the t-shirt!

I'm invested in PCS X-10 Compatible switches. Soft start - true rocker functionality.

PCS no longer makes them and they are NOT compatible with the most recent dimming LED bulbs - the triac clips the signal and the ballast buzzes at ANY dim level - even FULL ON.

I need something like this - I have a basement office that I go into and someone turns off the lights in the main basement. I can make that a wireless 3-way using new technology.

I need to see what has a good form factor - I like Decora with a true rocker feel. Anyone have any suggestions?

The O/P's form doesn't work for me.

Cheers

Jim

 

[Falcon67]

Note that remote use requires a smart bridge to connect the devices to the internet. The Geofencing part will be fun, depending on how well your device keeps up with it's GPS location. Our testing with geofencing shows it to be a bit hit-or-miss. I also don't see any details on the range between the switches and their control targets.

On the subject of hacking - I'm quite sure someone could engineer a way to control the system, depending on the device-to-device security setup. But I'm also pretty sure with the range of these things they would have to be sitting in your driveway. Add in the internet hub and the potential distance of control goes up, but it will be going through your house WiFi/Internet and if you don't have that secure people could already be looking at you through web cams on your TVs and PCs so might as well let them f-k with the lights.

 

[Falcon67]

Caseta does offer a switch and a remote that is ONLY On/Off, with no dimming. The part numbers are:
Switch PD5WSDV
Pico Remote: PJ22BGWHL01

You will only find these at your local electrical supply house, not Home Depot or Amazon.
Good luck
CD

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NO7Z80S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Whiskeymike]

If you want smart phone control, can you use them in an existing 3 way switch? It seems like it would be problematic since someone could flip the other switch and turn it off.