Surface Mount 2 Gang Dimmer With Cover

[davetulk]

Hi Guys,

Stupid question, over thinking I am sure but here goes.

I have 4x4 square box next to my shop door with two regular switches, interior lights and exterior lights.

I want to change them out to a timer for the exterior and a WiFi with for the interior. There are the decor/gfci cutouts. These will not fit with a crushed corner surface cover on the box because of the tabs....plus these things are large.

I was thinking of adding another 4x4 next to it and then using two single gang covers.

Anyone encounter the same situation? Better mouse trap?

Dave

 

[cybrdyke]

The timer should fit fine. Which wifi are you looking at?
CD

 

[JRC3]

We talking IP dimmers or do you have a Z-Wave hub like Smartthings (ST)? I have a few of these in my ST setup. Even gpt them on sale last month for $25. Even at regular price they are still cheaper than a dimmer switch. They can also be wired to use a regular switch as an additional controller.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IRI1CEK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[davetulk]

Not really a dimmer. One is a timer for exterior lights. One is a WIFI(iP) switch.

Normal switches have the tabs you can break off. These are flat tops with no tabs. Like Below

The are meant for a standard switch box. I think they will fit in a single gang gfci surface cover for a 4x4 box...but haven't confirmed yet. Also thinking I might out a plastic box next to the metal one for the Wifi Switch.

 

[JRC3]

If you have a Z-Wave or Zigbee hub then you can set it to be a dimmer and/or a timer. Mine are used for both and can be set to dusk and dawn. And can set for specific minutes before or after dusk and dawn.

I started with wifi switches and then went to a hub for monitoring and lighting. You can also buy Z-Wave light bulbs like Cree at HD for $15. Or Sengled Element bulbs for 8-9 bucks. https://shop.smartthings.com/products/sengled-element-classic-a19-bulb/732

2 bulbs, hub and motion sensor for about 100 bucks.
Then you control the bulbs through the ST app. https://shop.smartthings.com/products/smartthings-lighting-kit

Just giving options. The problem with IP switches is their limitations. With a hub you can do so much more.

 

[davetulk]

Outdoor lights are led soffit cans so bulbs not really an option. Inside lights are led 48" tubes, non dimmable, so would never use the dimmer function. Shop is detached from the house so I really don't have a need for other things.....in the house different story.

however the Zwave switches I have seen have the same problem with not having ears I can remove to fit in a surface cover.

 

[Radix2]

Cut the ear(s) to fit

...everybody needs a plasma cutter anyway

 

[ishiboo]

I personally wouldn't hesitate to cut those tabs to fit properly in a steel box.

 

[Stuff]

Could change box to 4 11/16 and have room for the ears. Do either of those switches have an antenna wire that routes outside of the box? I installed a Chamberlain/LiftMaster that had one.
Also found that a deeper box helps as the bigger switches can block the cable openings.

 

[audioworks04]

You might look into something like the Wink Relay, as it has two smart switches built in and can have timers programmed to one or both switches. Also works as the hub for other smart devices. The reviews are so-so, but I love mine.

Edit, these can be installed in single or double gang boxes so I would think they would work fine for you.

 

[mm08822]

Not really a dimmer. One is a timer for exterior lights. One is a WIFI(iP) switch.

Normal switches have the tabs you can break off. These are flat tops with no tabs. Like Below

The are meant for a standard switch box. I think they will fit in a single gang gfci surface cover for a 4x4 box...but haven't confirmed yet. Also thinking I might out a plastic box next to the metal one for the Wifi Switch.

You also get a free Jinglish lesson with this device.

Attension: Do not fits square mudring box.

Watch yourself on Amazon!

 

[davetulk]

Yeah the WiFi switch is a gamble...has good recent reviews from so called "Verified" reviews, see how it goes. I have it setup to go in a plastic box when it arrives. For the $25 bucks worth a shot.

 

[JRC3]

^
If they don't work and you need another option; I tried these before I went to Smartthings. They worked great but they did not dim as the BestBuy description said they did, so I returned them. I The app was very simple and straightforward. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/tp-link-wireless-smart-light-switch-white/5687933.p?skuId=5687933