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Mix dimmer and on/off in 4 way config


Jamison_IO

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Assuming that you want to make the lights be able to dim just make sure that the dimmer is the switch that has the load attached.  The on/off switches will still generate dim commands.  So create a scene with the 3 switches all as controllers.  Should work with no problem.  The thing to remember about any Insteon switches is that they really are 2 mostly separate things - a load controller and a human accessible switch.  All the human accessible switches  generate the same command set on the network even if their co-packaged load controller doesn't implement some of those commands.  Here the on/off load controller elements are simply not being used.   This is also nice to remember when you manage to burn out a load controller like I have (overloaded the dimmer unit).  That switch is still perfectly fine to use in a place where a load isn't being controlled - like as part of a multiway setup, or as in my case as a KPL with no directly attached load.

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The main difference when using an On/Off or dimmer as a secondary device is that the On/Off switch clicks with each press, the dimmer does not.

 

And I believe the on/off only has an LED for 0% and 100%. You won't see the LED climb up and indicate level like you will on a dimmer. The on/off switches are the same price as dimmers... why wouldn't you just use dimmers in the dummy locations?

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  • 2 weeks later...

And I believe the on/off only has an LED for 0% and 100%. You won't see the LED climb up and indicate level like you will on a dimmer. The on/off switches are the same price as dimmers... why wouldn't you just use dimmers in the dummy locations?

 

Because I ordered the switches on super sale.

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If you look around your home, you may find a place or, better yet, two that are appropriate for an On/Off. When you're ready to automate those locations, order dimmers and swap B)

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If you look around your home, you may find a place or, better yet, two that are appropriate for an On/Off. When you're ready to automate those locations, order dimmers and swap B)

 

Yep - already did that today. I hate removing stuff - there isn't a lot of room and once it gets set, I am not sure I want to try and cram it all back in there!

 

I am up to 14 switches, though.

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another question. I did a ton of switches today and they all work except one - but before I take it apart (because it was an absolute bitch to get everything back in there (4 gang box, 4 3-way switches...). IS there anything I should try on the switches or the controller first?

 

I did delete the switches form the isy and the scene. Neither switch will turn off the light.

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A 2-gang box takes a little bit of effort, but not nearly as much as a 3-gang box. I'll get back to 4-gangers.

 

Do you mean that the Administrative Console won't turn the light off--or worse--you can't turn them off manually?

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