Nakynaw Posted July 13, 2019 Posted July 13, 2019 Hi, We just finished building an new patio (500sf) with a dinning table under a covered pergola. Just bought a suspended light that I would like to be able to use with ISY, and be able to dim the light with scenes. I live in Montreal, Quebec. So we have rain, humidity, snow, etc. But the device would be under the UV protecting polymer roof. Any suggestions of device would be appreciated. Because I only see a on/off exterior switch module...
larryllix Posted July 13, 2019 Posted July 13, 2019 11 minutes ago, Nakynaw said: Hi, We just finished building an new patio (500sf) with a dinning table under a covered pergola. Just bought a suspended light that I would like to be able to use with ISY, and be able to dim the light with scenes. I live in Montreal, Quebec. So we have rain, humidity, snow, etc. But the device would be under the UV protecting polymer roof. Any suggestions of device would be appreciated. Because I only see a on/off exterior switch module... I use a plug-in dimmer outdoors, under my deck. The deck is semi-protected from rain and snow depending on the wind direction. I bent a piece of metal into a V shape and mounted it under the deck. The LampLinc is mounted on the end of an extension cord under the piece of bent metal to avoid rain dripping into it and a bal of white plastic tape is wrapped around the connections at both ends. This has functioned just fine for about three years now without any problems. I live in Ontario at the base of the Bruce Penninsula and likely get a lot more snow than Montreal area on our small mountain, typically over my head snow banks by the spring. Just protect the things from any water dripping into it and use a LampLinc. 1
paulbates Posted July 13, 2019 Posted July 13, 2019 I use outletlincs in Michigan, outside with no problems. You can get a weather proof cover that also covers the plugs. There are on/off and dimmer versions Paul
jec6613 Posted July 13, 2019 Posted July 13, 2019 You can also use a dimming outlet and the existing wet in use cover if it's a plug-in fixture. If it's a permanent fixture, put a micro module or In-Line into a protected box (the In-line is almost certainly more durable outdoors).
Nakynaw Posted July 16, 2019 Author Posted July 16, 2019 Thx for your answers! I had a Lamplinc dimmer in stock, I was to try it with some kind of protection against water, but it's only a two holes plug, and my lamp is connect to a 3 pins. My light is actually connected to an extension, which is also connected to an extension with other things that can't be dimmed (both extension are much more heavy duty than needed and winter proof). So, the solutions with the inline module to put in an electric box would be complicated... You guys know any products compatible with ISY like the remote control plug in, but dimmer instead of just on/off? Maybe in Zwave? Or maybe a smart bulb?
TomL Posted July 16, 2019 Posted July 16, 2019 you could also use an in line micro dimmer, dependent on how light is mounted.
jec6613 Posted July 16, 2019 Posted July 16, 2019 With grounded power, you'd need a wired in device to dim it... or, just grab a grounded to non-grounded converter plug for a few dollars, and wire the ground tab on it directly into a dummy plug, so the light is still grounded and just bypasses the dimmer. It's perfectly OK to do that and still provides you the grounded protection. Since it's on the end of an extension, you can pick up a weaterproof extension junction box and put it all in there. They're $20-$30 on amazing, and your cords go in, and things go out. Sure, you'll probably shorten the life of the dimmer module a bit because it's not designed for extremes of winter and summer, but they're cheap and if you blow it out in 3-4 years just throw in a new one. Alternatively, wire the whole thing with an In-Line dimmer into a weatherproof box contraption of your own making using standard outdoor boxes. The In-Line dimmer is much more durable than a micro module, and the boxes are cheaper, but it's a bit more work to put together. Nothing wrong with either approach.
Nakynaw Posted July 16, 2019 Author Posted July 16, 2019 Wow. Thx Jec6613! It will be more trouble, but the second option seems like what it should be. I'll cut the cord of the light at one foot of the plug, bring all the wires in in a sealed junction box with the in line dimmer and leave it plugged as it is on the end of the cord, to keep the other things untouched at the extension. Thx for you time guys, very appreciated!
larryllix Posted July 17, 2019 Posted July 17, 2019 5 hours ago, Nakynaw said: Wow. Thx Jec6613! It will be more trouble, but the second option seems like what it should be. I'll cut the cord of the light at one foot of the plug, bring all the wires in in a sealed junction box with the in line dimmer and leave it plugged as it is on the end of the cord, to keep the other things untouched at the extension. Thx for you time guys, very appreciated! Get the 3-prong to 2-prong adapter with the little green ground wire on it. Connect the ground wire to the receptacle ground screw. Make sure it is a clean metal to metal contact. If this is a device outside, within reach, with a metal shock hazard metal case, I wouldn't do it though. Get a PVC receptacle box, with a micro Insteon module and a short 3-prong plug & cord, with a rubber sealing grommet, and plug the device into the short extension cord you just made.
jec6613 Posted July 17, 2019 Posted July 17, 2019 1 hour ago, larryllix said: Get the 3-prong to 2-prong adapter with the little green ground wire on it. Connect the ground wire to the receptacle ground screw. Make sure it is a clean metal to metal contact. If this is a device outside, within reach, with a metal shock hazard metal case, I wouldn't do it though. Get a PVC receptacle box, with a micro Insteon module and a short 3-prong plug & cord, with a rubber sealing grommet, and plug the device into the short extension cord you just made. The In-Line module is a much beefier micro module. And all of the outdoor rated boxes of this type are PVC nowadays, but you can make an older metal one safe by grounding the box to both the grounding on the strip and to the upstream earth ground, easy peasy.
Nakynaw Posted August 12, 2019 Author Posted August 12, 2019 Thx everyone. I brought the first extension in a metal heavy duty box for exterior plugs. Fed another box beside it with the In-line dimmer connected to the lamp. It works great, it's secure and it's ready to feed my next exterior plugged-in chrome cast speaker.
Argilos Posted April 6, 2020 Posted April 6, 2020 Does anyone know why the Insteon In Line Dimmer 2475DA1 is not available from anyone anymore?
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