Hey guys, i’m very new to the smart home game and am looking to add light switches over smart light bulbs. I have been on here researching but am having a hard time deciding what all i need to do. I’m hoping to score some deals on black Friday. Anyways…my kids rooms have regular light switches but are in 4 switch panels. The switches control a light, closet light, ceiling fan, and another light.
I have not found a smartthings panel with 4 switches…would i just get 4 separate single switches and install them? Sorry for the noob question but would appreciate any insight into some good cheap switches to use.
Most of the Z wave switches are Spec’d for up to three in a box, but not four. For example, both Leviton and GE have instructions for triple gang boxes. You could write to them and ask if the same switches can work in a quadruple gang, but I’m guessing that since with each additional switch the wattage Max goes down that it probably runs too low.
There’s a nice looking alternative, but the problem is it’s not cheap, and that’s to use an individual in wall micro for each of the switches. @mike_maxwell combines Aeotec micros with Legrand retractive buttons, and I think they look really nice. There are lots of color options. But they aren’t cheap.
If you did go with smart bulbs, then it would be easy, there are several multi button battery operated wall switch devices that have four or more buttons. And if you just went with regular white smart bulbs, those are about $15 each, plus maybe $50 for the four button wall switch, so that’s probably the least expensive choice. But I do understand if you would rather get smart switches and dumb bulbs. I just wanted to mention the alternative.
Definitely check with Leviton, though, I think they’re the most likely to have a regular Z wave rocker switch that you could put in a four gang box. Let us know what you find out.
Thanks so much for getting back to me…yes, this is what I"m talking about…my current switches are not rocker switches. 4 gang switch box is what I’m looking for.
So, i would need to get 4 individual switches and then fine a 4 gang box to put them in correct? Do you have any recommendations? I’ve heard the wemo switches are good…but $45 a switch is a bit pricey.
another option…I could wire the 2 section of lights in the room into one…then have one switch for the closet, one switch for the bedroom lights and the other switch for the fan. The 4th switch is currently for 2 different sections of lights in the same room.
I went to Leviton’s site and found a 4 gang cover…so that is sweet! So basically I can get one of these 4 gang covers…then I would just need 4 individual rockers switches correct?
Leviton makes both networked and nonnetworked switches. That’s why you need to get in touch with them to find out if their networked switches will work in a four gang box. I know they will work in a three gang box, I just don’t know about four as the switches do get derated as you add more of them.
If you change the wiring so you only use two switches, then I think all the network brands will work fine just side-by-side, but of course always check the specs on each individual device you’re intending to use.
I have multiple instances of 4 GE switches next to each other in wall boxes. You can buy the covers at Homedepot or use your existing cover for the “dumb” switches.
One hint to save space in the box (smart switches are a bit bigger then dumb switches): Connect the white jumper wire from switch and only connect one switch instead of connecting them all together to the bundle in the box.
…and I just noticed that Amazon has a sale on the GE switches right now:
thanks so much, I will research the difference between the 2. My hub is on the main level and these switches will be upstairs right above it. I’m hoping i can get by with the old z-wave and won’t need the plus switches with the extended range.
I had heard a rumor that they were going to make a switch with “alexa” capabilities at some point. That will be pretty sweet.
I’m sure i’ll be back on the forum when i’m installing these switches!! Hoping black Friday brings some good deals!
