2 Wire Insteon Switch question

[windrockwater]

Hi there,

Long time Insteon and ISY user here. This is more of an insteon question but here goes anyway.

I have a single light switch by my front door. I had an electrician install it a couple years ago (in the same box as an old ceiling light switch) to operate a newly installed outside duplex outlet.  I plug my low voltage light transformer into that outlet.  I am trying to replace the simple switch with an Insteon switch. There is no neutral wire in the switch box. Just 2 wires going to the switch (from what seems like a single, yellow Romex cable.  I purchased a 2-wire insteon thinking thats the solution. However, i read that the 2-wire switch requires an incandescent lamp to complete a necessary circuit at all times to power the insteon functionality.  So does that mean this switch will not work for me since i am trying to use the insteon switch to turn on/off an electrical outlet?

TIA.

[paulbates]

The low  voltage transformer should do the job and allow the small amount of signal through to complete the circuit and let Insteon signals work.

Paul

[windrockwater]

Hey thats very interesting! I wonder if i can find a charger that will fit in one of those bubble-cover, outdoor outlet enclosures....  Or perhaps some other small, low profile plug-in thing?

[Brian H]

The 2474D is a Dimmer type switch. It may not work with an inductive load like a low voltage transformer. Is the low voltage transformer rated to be on a dimmer? If you try it watch its operation for awhile for unexpected things happening. If it originally works.

It is also Insteon RF only. So it will have to be with in range of another Dual Band Insteon module to communicate with it.

 

[redridge]

During my whole-house upgrade I came upon an X10 two wire dimmer so I initially replaced it with a two wire RF-only Insteon dimmer.  It was driving three LED sconces and the LED's would always remain partially on. I was able to fish a three wire romex up to that location and. put in a proper dual band dimmer and the problem went away.

[windrockwater]

I've had some success using Dimmers as ON/OFF switches (as long as i don't try to dim them). I just assume 100% on is the same as an ON/OFF. 

I cannot easily run a new wire unfortunately. The reason being the insulation contractor sprayed closed-cell foam around my rim joist and embedded lots of wiring in the foam! So it would be a real hassle to run new wire.

I doubt the low voltage transformer is dimmable. I dont really want to dim it actually.

Another idea i had is to remove the switch entirely and wire-nut the 2 wires together so the outlet is always-on and then use an Insteon ON/OFF Outdoor module plugged into the outlet to control the transformer. And then stick an insteon 4-button remotelinc on the wall or in the switch box.  Whadya think of that hack?  Or, i just wire up the 2-wire insteon and see what happens....

[Brian H]

Well 100%  On is not the same as an On/Off switch. The AC wave is distorted between the positive and negative  swing. There is a short no conduction from the triac as the AC cycle switches polarity. It maybe fine just something to watch.  Testing it would give more information.

The On/Off module in an AC socket is also a good choice if needed. One thing about the 4-button remote. The 2444B4 wall mount ring  is not made to hold it into an electrical box. It mounts on a flat surface. The remote falls into the electrical box.  I found that out myself and then looked at the sales pages. ?