Zwave and metal junction boxes.

[johnnyt]

Am assuming zwave devices, like insteon dual band devices, are not really for houses with metal junction boxes. Is that a valid assumption?

 

 

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[Brian H]

May depend on the Zwave modules layout.

I have a Home Settings {Intermatic} HA20C 3-Way Toggle Switch and the FCC Database photos show the antenna on the face plate just behind the toggle mechanism. Close to the front of the electrical box.

 

Dual Band Insteon 2477D and 2477S SwitchLinc photos show their antenna in the rear of the module. Near the back side of the module. Inside the electrical box.

 

I would suspect a metal box may effect both, but the SwitchLinc maybe more effected than my HA20C is.

 

Though I never did much with the Home Settings modules I got in a clearance sale.

More of a how do they work test.

[IndyMike]

Johnnyt,

 

The following is from the GE Zwave manual for a 45609 dimmer:

 

Wireless Range

This device complies with the Z-Wave standard of open-air, line of sight transmission distances of 65 feet. Actual performance in a home depends on the number of walls between the remote controller and the destination device, the type of construction and the number of Z-Wave enabled devices installed in the control network.

 

Ge Z-Wave Network

Every Z-Wave enabled device acts as a signal repeater and multiple devices result in more possible transmission routes which helps eliminate “RF dead-spotsâ€.

Things to consider regarding RF range:

- Each wall or obstacle (i.e.: refrigerator, big screen TV, etc.) between the remote or a Z-Wave device and the destination

device will reduce the maximum range by approximately 25-30%.

- Brick, tile or concrete walls block more of the RF signal than walls made of wooden studs and plasterboard (drywall).

- Wall mounted Z-Wave devices installed in metal junction boxes will suffer a significant loss of range (approximately

20%) since the metal box blocks a large part of the RF signal.

 

 

 

I do not have much recent experience with Zwave. I will say that I am able to communicate with an Intermatic receptacle 68' away through a steel door/12" concrete wall. This is "line of sight" with one rather ominous obstruction, but still rather impressive.

[johnnyt]

If the distances in the attachment are to be believed, Z-wave, or at least the GE Z-wave devices, would be better in metal boxes than dual band insteon, at least in my limited real life testing of the latter.

[Teken]

If the distances in the attachment are to be believed, Z-wave, or at least the GE Z-wave devices, would be better in metal boxes than dual band insteon, at least in my limited real life testing of the latter.

 

My personal experience with metal box's is the dual band is pretty none existent. In Manitoba metal box's are required for new home builds. Retrofits, or home owner jobs can use any of the none metal box's.

 

I plan on using the fiber style boxs as they are stronger and don't flex / break.

 

Teken . . .