DJM1740

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DJM1740
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  • How to add HomeKit light switches without rewiring your house

    DJM1740DJM1740
    citpeks said:
    My home lacks neutral wires in its switch boxes, which has been the main thing holding me back from getting into smart integration.

    The Lutron system does get mostly positive reviews, and the others I either haven't heard of, or may not put much faith in.  Leviton is a recognized brand, but its solution doesn't seem to get great reviews.

    It would have been nice to read about the experiences the author does have with their Lutron devices, other than calling it "an excellent solution."

    Otherwise, a mere list of brands that have products that don't require neutral wires makes for a pretty thin article.

    With regard to the Lutron in particular, does it still function locally if the internet connection is lost?  Or what if Lutron happens to do like some brands have done, and simply shuts down their servers?  Will those switches continue to function as "dumb" devices, or do they become bricks, and live up to the nickname of "Internet of [Feces]?"
    I have put the Lutron switches in three houses of older vintage with very few problems. The switches that didn't work were Amazon previously-used returns.  Being able to add remotes allowed me to add switches where none existed before. The dimmer switches don't require a neutral; apparently they can operate off the leakage current that trickles through the dimmable load.  The on/off light switches do need the neutral wire. 

    The biggest problem I have had was the physical fit of the switches in older switch boxes. The smart switches are bigger than the simple toggles and sometimes the fit with smaller switch boxes and older wiring is a little tight. 

    They work just fine without an Internet connection; when my wife and I sold the previous two houses I reset all the switches and the bridge, and paired the remote switches back with their counterparts. They all worked just fine as standalone switches. 

    You do need to pay attention somewhat to the list of compatible dimmable LED bulbs; some unlisted bulbs work better than others but that seems to be less of a problem as LED bulbs improve. 
    citpeks