Getting started - build behind existing switch(es)

Post by **xanhoera** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 10:22 pm

My first steps outside the noobie forum, had to happen sometime.
I've been reading up on the z-wave switches and possibilities and I've noticed the wife-factor is mentioned many times in different threads. Well in my case, the wife-factor does not want the switches around the house to be a mixture of different kinds/brands and look-and-feels.

Basically this means that I need a solution to build-in behind the existing switches; In my case this one: http://www.berker.com/en/international/ ... ranges/s1/ .
I understand that there are no real Z-Wave "micromodules" available. However am I correct to assume that a Duwi 05431 should work behind such existing switch? (something I believe to have read)

If so, how does it work exactly; specifically C/D and E of below picture:

A- obviously is built inside the wall (keep existing)
B- duwi module - to be added
C- keep existing or replace by the duwi part?
D- existing frame should be used (in my case the Berker one as mentioned above)
E- existing switch should be used (in my case the Berker one as mentioned above)

To keep it simple (to get started) - the switch will be used to control one light. It's the only switch that will control this light.

Post by **Alexander** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 10:46 pm

C can't be the old one, because you don't have any more space.

I was also wondering how ezhome.nl would come to the conclusion that it can be done.

Alexander

Post by **EzHome** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 10:52 pm

Don't think I have ever said it could, it can't be done.

What can be done is build the board from a Qees Ring or a Qees Wall behinde a "impulsdrukker" a z-wave dimmer or switch could be operated this way.

For those having Busch-Jaeger Reflex Si have more luck, Duwi is designing a ring and push button to enable Duwi to be used in this series.

Let's make z-wave EZ

Post by **xanhoera** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 11:03 pm

Indeed, I was just trying to find back what exactly I've read before.
It's discussed in this thread: http://www.domoticaforum.eu/topic.asp?T ... 3541#26478

So in short, the duwi module cannot be used as "micro module" unless you are using the Busch-Jaeger housing?

Then there is only the Merten alternative I've read about... *trying to find it back*

Post by **EzHome** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 11:11 pm

For this moment it is not possible to use a z-wave circuit breaker the way you wish to.
The Merten devices are just in-wall modules what can be used behind a blind plate but can't be activated by a normal circuit breaker.

Post by **xanhoera** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 11:32 pm

Alright, thanks for clearing that up! Back to X10/Xanura forum I believe

.

Post by **Alexander** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 12:54 am

@Willem-Jan: Your sentence, and i quote, "Duwi (Popp) modules can also be used as micro-modules and do not need to be directly accessible by pushing it by the buttons." let me believe you meant as a micro-module behind a regular switch. Now, i understand it differently. You meant without any switch connected to it.

Alexander

Post by **EzHome** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 9:31 am

@Alexander: Correct, thats what I meant with it.

In this way you can use it for example with garden lighting, build in a central box.

@Xanhoera: (great name [:)]) sure this can be done with X10, nothing wrong with it but reconsider using z-wave just because of it's reliability.

Post by **xanhoera** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 10:16 am

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by ezHome</i>

@Xanhoera: (great name [:)]) sure this can be done with X10, nothing wrong with it but reconsider using z-wave just because of it's reliability.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

That's indeed the reason why my preference went to z-wave first. And, when I look at all the depressing threads about after-sales support for the marmitek/xanura modules lately... it does not give me a fuzzy warm and confident feeling

.

Any idea if z-wave micro-modules, ready to be used behind existing switches, are on any manufacturers list (on short term)? I see some discussions on other forums, I believe dating back to 2006, already with the same question

.

Post by **EzHome** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 10:25 am

I know........ I wish I could tell you..... but no News on that side for now.

But if you want to start it can be done, but you have to make something modifications to on your own your current switch series with a Qees Ring, take a look at this topic http://zwaves.dk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=20

Post by **mhn** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 10:33 am

Maybe you can convince QEES, that they need to make an version of the Wall electronics that is easy to mod?

Thomas has something about plastic. It is very expensive for him to change. But for an example changing the small switches to wires, that is easy for modding,or something like that might be possible?

Post by **jvs** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 11:46 am

ehhh. my Danish isn't that good but in Disney language I can see they just use the Qees (without housing) behind the fitted switch?

In that case I wonder if it will fit in a regular electricity (220v) housing, because it already uses a lot of space specialy when you use grounded electricity, dimmers...

Post by **EzHome** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 11:49 am

You don't need to use the wires in that case, the module connected can be build in and connected direct to the device.

Post by **jvs** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 11:58 am

Well, I still think I'll replace everything, so the alternatives for now are (using Z-wave):

- Merten
- Busch Jaeger
- Dwi
- Popp

Let's find out what the wife-factor will choose...

Post by **Geert** » Sun Oct 25, 2009 11:26 pm

But what about the "Merten 506004 - Z-Wave zender 4-voudig"? This device could be built in behind and connected to a (impuls)switch to control other Z-wave device (for example a Duwi Z-Wave tussenstekker), right?

(I don't have one but consider buying one...)

GO