Pull Chain - How to interract with HA

[Teken]

Way back in the day I started a thread in this forum about why the use of pull chain lights in several areas in the basement. The consensus at the time was that it allowed the home owner two separate light sources not tied into the main switch at the top of the stairs.

The other thought was that it was simply just a cheap builders decision to do so.

Regardless, I am just in the most basics of my design plans for the basement. As a temporary measure I would like to incorporate one of my Insteon Home Automation (HA) into this pull chain light fixture.

My question is how can I install this remote controlled device into the pull chain light fixture and have it still operate as if nothing has changed??

I believe wiring it as a switch loop would be the first solution? If not please do share with me how this is accomplished all the while still allowing the pull chain to operate normally.

Please keep in mind: I only intend to operate the light fixture remotely when needed. If I am on site the light fixture will be turned on using the pull chain.

I do realize that I could simply remove the pull chain and replace it with a $1.99 light fixture and be done with it. If that was the end goal I surely would have done so, this is not the current goal.

Below is the picture of the Insteon remote device along with the wiring schematic. I have also included a picture of the pull chain light fixture in case there is a question as to what I am referring too.

I would greatly appreciate a wiring diagram for reference . . .

Teken . . .

 

[Greatbear]

Tek, you could do this if there is enough room inside the ceiling box to hold the control box, but if you turn the lamp off with the pull chain, the remote will not operate it anymore. Depending on how the Insteon stuff is configured internally, it can be possible to rig it such that the pull chain can actually bypass the insteon switch to turn on the lamp, but the chain would have to be pulled again to go back to remote control. Is that what you are looking for? In other words, is the only method of controlling the lights as they are now is by the pull chain?

 

[gatchel]

I would use a 2475S2 which has a yellow sense wire. You would have to wire the device at the light and put the pull switch between the yellow and black wires. Double check the manual to make sure this will work exactly as you want.

http://www.smarthome.com/2475S2/INSTEON-In-LineLinc-On-Off-Module-Non-dimming-w-Sense/p.aspx

 

[Teken]

I was afraid the 2475S2 would be referenced! I currently have the none *sense* version of this device.

This will not be doable, I will just replace the light fixture and wire it up with the Insteon In Line Linc (IIL) module for the time being. There are no walls up in this zone so I have no where to place or install a standard light switch.

Hence the use of the Insteon IIL module.

As GreatBear asked: The only method to turn on the light fixture is indeed by pulling the chain.

I don't know . . . Maybe I will just install a Insteon light switch to instead and just mount it up in the ceiling. As I will require a local on / off switch regardless anyways.

Using the (IIL) would require the computer system or one of my remotes to turn it on / off anyways.

The WAF (wife acceptance factor) would not be very high if there was no local on / off switch at hand!

Damn it . . .

 

[Thruxton]

Two light fixtures, one pull-chain (I also think they are very practical) one Insteon-operated. Only necessary to figure out an esthetically pleasing arrangement.

 

[Teken]

Two light fixtures, one pull-chain (I also think they are very practical) one Insteon-operated. Only necessary to figure out an esthetically pleasing arrangement.

Hrmmm . . . Perhaps this line of thought is better! This would allow me to have more light if required during the building process. All the while also have the stand alone pull chain for local use.

And . . . Have remote capability if and when I needed to turn on the lights! The only problem I see here is IF someone leaves the pull chain on.

This is why I am doing this! Some of the family members, trades, have NOT turned off the lights several times.

Which really bothered me, since these are the only two locations in the home which I can not remotely control and turn off from afar!

Must think . . .