@Chak: Thanks for thinking along
.
My experiences so far: the switch works well with one AIX (or other Xanura module) with 4 of the 6 switches connected but I'm not able to use the additional 2 switches, because of the internal wiring and the fact that the fuse blows when connecting the common wires of two AIX modules (still puzzles me).
So, in the end, I decided to use just 4 of the 6 switches (top 2 and bottom 2); the other 2 switches/leds (the ones in the middle) are for decorational purposes only, as for now. I'll solve the "problem" of too few switches by ordering some more of these switches
. The advantage of using them as a 4-way switch only is that each switch has its own module behind it.
Some comments on the switch itself and the way I use it:
* Note that the leds are 24V (as opposed to the one-switch version that Kris used which has a 230V led). So you need to supply 24V to the "inbouwdozen" in which you install these switches. Something to plan ahead for when building your kitchen! I tried 24V but found the leds rather bright. I also tried 12V and 5V to dim the leds and decided to run them at 5V only. That voltage gives a nice dim glow that doesn't distract and still serves well for the purpose of orientation (and high-tech coolness
.
* The switches are quite thin; they don't take up a lot of space in the "inbouwdoos", so installing these in front of a Xanura module with all the 230V, 24V and potential free wires is quite easy.
* I've put the 5V adapter for the leds of all switches in my kitchen on a Xanura SAIX12, so I can turn the leds off. I have an event in Homeseer which turns on the leds at sunset and turns them off at sunrise.
* These switches are also available with amber and red leds. And if you don't want to buy a 6-way switch if you use only 4 of them, you can also get a 4-way version of this switch, which is basically looking the same as the 6-way version but with a blind in the middle. (I prefer the looks of the 6-way version. Note that you may decide to use only 4 of the 6 leds as well, as these can be connected individually.)
* The switch and border are available in different colors/materials (even real Bamboo wood...). I opted for an alu-grey border (real aluminium) with an anthracite/graphite inlay. See
http://www.niko.nl/default.aspx?PageID=190&Culture=nlnl for the different options.
* The leds may be either used for orientation (continuously on) or to reflect the status of the connected devices. For the latter option, you'll need to have something that can close the 24V circuit for the particular led (SAX15/PIOX15 if you really want) and you'll need to run additional wires. I use them for orientation only (the simple option
.
@binkiem: Although the Niko Pure series can now be ordered from Dutch shops as well, I ordered these switches through a Belgian webshop: DMLights / Paul de Meutter (
http://www.dmlights.be). But beware: the Belgian version of these switches differs from the Dutch version, because the way of mounting these switches is different in Belgium. However, as long as you don't want to use these switches vertically (i.e. two or more above each other, instead of next to each other), you can just use the Belgian ones (I verified this with Niko Netherlands before taking the plunge). For the gory details, have a look at:
http://www.niko.nl/docs/manuals/PM257-096.pdf. In Holland, you'd normally order 170-67111. I ordered 170-60110 instead, which works just as well (you can remove the "claws" that are mentioned in the pdf). Don't forget to order the keys for the switches (anthracite: 122-60100).
Another thing to consider is that you can't use the "standard" Belgian wall outlets, as the earth pin is a real pin in Belgium instead of the Dutch "randaarde". However, DMLights can order Dutch wall outlets for you (this will take some time, though); these will have "child protection" build in. The product numbers are 170-34100 (wall outlet) and 122-66901 (anthracite inlay) which are not in their online shop; ask them by e-mail.
Why I ordered the Belgian stuff in Belgium and go through the hassle? Well, because of the price difference. I requested a price quote from Elektroshop (reasonably prices Dutch webshop,
http://www.elektroshop.nl) for the 6-way switch: EUR 71,- including VAT. The Belgian version is EUR 51,- (i.e. the Dutch version is 40% more expensive). The same goes for the other Niko Pure components.
I guess that's about all there is to this. If you have any questions left, let me know.
Lennart
