How to Wirelessly Connect Multiple Light Switches | Ask This Old House
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- Опубліковано 7 жов 2024
- Ask This Old House master electrician Heath Eastman helps a homeowner connect four separate switches that control six lights in the same room
#ThisOldHouse #AskTOH
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Time: 1 hour
Cost: $120 and up
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools:
Flathead screwdriver [amzn.to/2YB02Ep]
Phillips head screwdriver [amzn.to/2L5dQiF]
Shopping List:
Wired smart switch [amzn.to/3c7Palf]
Wireless switch [amzn.to/2SBuef2]
Wireless switch cover plate [amzn.to/35wEUki]
Wire nuts [amzn.to/3dkon5u]
Steps for connecting multiple wireless light switches:
1. Start by shutting off the power at the main breaker.
2. Remove the switch cover and remove the old switch. Both the cover and the wires can be loosened with a screwdriver.
3. Connect the hot, neutral, and ground wires on the smart switch with the wires in the wall using some wire nuts.
4. Push the switch back into the wall and secure the cover plate over it with the screwdriver.
5. Determine the location for the wireless switch. The switch comes with a wall mounting bracket that can be screwed into the wall. The wireless switch then snaps into the bracket.
6. Program the wireless switch to pair with wired smart switch following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Resources:
Heath installed the Caseta by Lutron Smart Kit [amzn.to/3fkDw8J]. This included three In-Wall Smart Dimmer Switches to replace the old switches, two Pico Smart Remotes for Dimmers at both entryways to communicate with all the other switches, and a Smart Bridge to connect it all to the Internet (www.casetawire....
All the other materials Heath used for this project, including the two gang cover plate [amzn.to/35wEUki] and the screwdriver, can be found at home centers.
Expert assistance with this segment was provided by Eaton and Eastman Electric (www.eatonandeas....
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Keywords:
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How to Wirelessly Connect Multiple Light Switches | Ask This Old House
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This Old House is one a my favorite home improvement programs I remember growing up and watching this show with my Dad and it brought back a lot of good memories.
These casetas are great. Theres plenty of smart switches out there but these look good, flexible installation, and they just work correctly without any fussing.
These are great for exterior lighting. We have remotes in every car (with the visor clip accessory) so we can turn on the lights when we get home after dark.
Not convinced that I trust or like these things .. BUT LOVE YOU that old house!!!!
THANK YOU 1.47 million times! I’ve been busy replacing my switches. My wallet is now very sore, but it IS worth it! Also works with HomeKit! Siri is my Light Switch and Dimming slave!
We just bought a house built in the 90's, modified several times since, and it's a poster child for needing this kind of smart switch technology. This also simplifies the puzzle of 'which swtich does which'? GREAT discovery!
1:20 "In a room like this we typically wanna have a 3-way" she got a bit nervous there for a second hahaha!!!!!
She got excited then you could see the disappointment in her face when she realized what he meant. She was down!!! 🤣🤣🤣
A 3 way with her sister would be on everyone's list !!
So glad you recommended Lutron. Those are my personal favorite.
We've had the Lutron Caseta system in our house, with 7 switches and 9 Pico remotes for a few years now and it's been great. they work flawlessly, makes everything much more convenient, and even works with google Assistant. My only complaint is that the middle "button" which is for setting a programmable setting for any specific desired level of dimming is only in the remote, and not the main switch. Seems like a strange oversight.
1:19 I concur, that looks like an ideal room for a threeway.
hehehehe.....
My first boss, a smokin’ hot homeowner and I were standing in her kitchen, he sold her on a three way system and turns to me “ya know how a three way works don’cha?” Me “heh-heh-heh” Then some awkward looks.
Lol....would love a 3 way with her....she's pretty hott
Nice! Glad to see a Lutron Casetta solution. I've used it in multiple houses.... especially useful in older houses with odd power and light switch designs as houses have been modified.
Lutron is a quality product.
Excellent video guys well done, it’s nice to see you showcasing a solid product like Lutron Caseta. We have replaced our entire home to Caseta and would highly recommend this solution to anyone looking to improve their current lighting control systems.
Something else that he forgot to explicitly mention is the Caseta dimmers can be used in older houses without a neutral wire in the switch box. They are one of the only smart switches that can do this.
I was about to ask that exact question he never explained either way and everyone I've messed with you needed the neutral. Best comment on the internet today. Thanks
Only thing I would mention is that the dimmer doesn't need a neutral wire. But the on/off switch DOES NEED a neutral wire.
Do newer homes pull a full circuit to the switch box? Code? I thought the switch box simply split the hot that went to the lights.
@@Mike__B It's good practice now a days to have a neutral at each switch location in order to accommodate for a smart switch. In Quebec, you need to have what we call a "conducteur repéré" which is having a neutral in each switch location.
@@williamsavaria9722 Gotcha. I just have an older home, so the concept of a neutral in a switch box just seems so foreign to me. That said I have swapped out switches for dimmers that didn't require neutral, but the thought of a smart switch just seems silly... feel free to say it "Ok Boomer" :D
The switches shown in the main video are Lutron Caseta wireless switches. They look very nice but the problem is that not only they are insanely expensive, they require their own proprietary bridge in order to use with the Smart Home solutions like Amazon Echo, Google Home and Samsung SmartThings. I would recommend go with a Zigbee switch. Newer Echo has built-in Zigbee Hub. You can also pair it with SmartThings so you can control it directly by setting up rules. The downside, is that there are very few wireless (remote) switch.
Just wait till the grandparents come by.
Place kerosene lamps
It would be nice if the products used in the video were actually the ones listed in the description!
he did it right! the wall plate screws go 12 and 6. woohoo
I used to work for a guy that made us put the screws horizontal and I hated it. Vertical looks so much better
@@ToastedBuns207 horizontal? I've never seen that before...
Horizontal looks better on standard outlet( not the square ones)
Another one of those this old house helps hot housewife video, with useful info all at the same time
@Joe Kinchicken lmfao bruh
Not a lot of sharp people commenting on this thread...."Internet!", or "Just install a 3 way switch", or "Idiot!" Either y'all don't hear too well, or don't see to well, or both...there's a few reasons they opted for the wireless switches.
Scallywag Good observation!
Sure 👍🔧
we had these Lutron switches installed before they were even cool to do so. We paid 29 dollars for one dimmer switch 5 years ago. They now retail for double the price.
Wait a minute... Where's my homie Scott!? He made a worthy unofficial electrician outta me ... dude was fire!
They fired him
thats exactly what im searching for. Do they make a powered switch that is not dimmable (outside light)
This is perfect for my dinning room and also for my basement lights.
Hmm, that's a cool product!
Interesting episode. What model Lutron wireless switch is needed just to add an additional switch in the same room at another location? Heath alludes to it toward the end of this episode. There are so many options out there it is almost impossible to select the right one. Best regards, Tom Richardson
A sign of a professional electrician, i.e. all wall plate screws are vertical.
We all just have severe OCD. Its rather common in the trades. Wait...not really. ;)
I always tighten my screws horizontal
I've never seen horizontal screws...honestly didn't even think it was a thing?
Why do the horizontal screw holes even exist?
@@scallywag1716 They match the horizontal receptacles
TOH is always testing new technology in peoples homes
TP-Link “Kasa” or Wemo is another option. No bridge needed. Works with Alexa.
I have tp link and lutron to link is always disconnecting lutron if it does I never know it and it works if the internet is down with the remotes.
It makes live easy
Hey Kathy !!! Thee Electrician is here to check your short's !!!!
Thats cool!
Why are the switches listed in the description different than the ones used in the clip??
The correct ones are listed in the "Resources" section. I assume whomever's on the social media desk and sorting, uploading, and fetching these affiliate links screwed up the ones in the "shopping list" area.
Yep! Just a little lower..it's there! ua-cam.com/users/redirect?q=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3fkDw8J&event=video_description&redir_token=55ve3ZCi76i_-T8UfK1--wuu7n18MTU4OTM0OTM2NEAxNTg5MjYyOTY0&v=VI96Qj7hBFA
Seems like a good idea but you have power right there. Seems like they should make a model that charges off that power so you don't have to replace the batteries - maybe not possible.
These are great because you don’t have to patch up any drywall, I just don’t like that their Wi-Fi. I miss the old ones they use infrared like a TV remote, why are they making everything with Wi-Fi now?
could you put these for all of your swicthes and by the front door have a remote paired to all the swicthes so when you leave you can hit the off button and turn all the lights off at the same time
does the single pole switch come with the remote or must it be purchased separately
what are the links to purchase
The product link for the switches does not include the handheld remote (not a phone) that is shown in this video. Where can I buy the one with physical remote that doesn’t require internet?
I have a ceiling light with a pool cord that I would like to replace with a semi flush LED light and add a remote wall switch. How can I use a pico remote like this to make a wall switch for a ceiling light that currently has no wall switch?
Interesting on furnace 180 to 137 ° F ..g did I miss the insulating of drill holes from outside to inside of basement 🤔
If using these for outdoor flood lights and the switches are also outside, how do you connect them then?
What happened to Scott? I liked him.
twitter.com/scottcarontoh/status/998196087780454401?lang=en Sad!
@Joe Kinchicken Scott actually decided he didn't want to film anything anymore. it was his choice not TOH's.
His contract was up
@@itech301 His "choice" or they didn't want him back or didn't want to pay what he was asking.
Kevin his contract expired
Can I use this system to group two separate 3-way switches that control recessed lighting? I want to be able to turn on and off both 3-way switches together at the same time, and still have separate control of each switch when needed.
I have dimmer switches that 2, 3 and 4 dimmers. Are there smart switches available with 2, 3 and 4 switches that would work with Google smart home set up? Thanks
Do these dimmers help with LED flicker?
What about the battery on the remote? How long does that last?
They last a very long time and aren’t hard to replace
Lutron says they can last 10 years
ToastedBuns thank you!
Techmatt167 thank you!
I have a bunch of these. Installed about 4 years ago and still going strong.
I did buy one for my Garage to act as a 3 way and to turn on automatically when my phone is in range (IE coming home) as the only light to control it is from inside the house. So either you were stuck with the light on, or feeling your way in the dark. But at 60 a switch and 100 for the bridge for any smart connectivity. This really limits the amount to purchase. Cut the price to 30 a pop and I will replace some more pretty quick.
How do you get the geofencing to work?
Who did the wiring?
Does this work with HomeKit?
Hi TOH , how do I turn an ordinary table brass lamp into a touch lamp too shut it off & turn it back on again ? 👍😒
Can you turn on your lights if your out of the country using this method
yes, if synced with the Hub you can control it anywhere
How about 2 remotes with one smart switch? Has it existed?
6:27, who doesn't?
And China can listen into your conversations at same time 😂
China already does, but only if you are in China. It's illegal everywhere else. It is, however, legal for corporations to record your conversations, if you let them by agreeing to the binding contract that comes with every piece of hardware an software allowing the company to collect all of your personal data.
How did you re-wire those two single pole switches to work as one?
There will be two wires, one from each original switch, going to the light(s) that those switches control. Tie those two separate wires together.
Can these be used without internet connection? A television remote control doesn't need an internet connection. I saw a comment about batteries. The provided links show totally different products, Why? Plus, the descriptions and installation of the products have typos. Not sure if I would purchase!?
Yes, they can be used without the internet, you just wouldn't be able to control the lights with your phone. And you'd lose a lot of the better features.
Sorry if I missed it - what is the brand of these wifi light switches?
Lutron
Lutron Caseta. Nice switches but an expensive solution. There are cheaper smart switches out there (TP-Link's Kasa line is an example) that are very good as well. But nothing wrong with Caseta if the price doesn't scare you off.
I hated zone lighting. I seen 10 gang box of switches, full of light dimmers once...It was a mess in there....
It's good in some commercial applications such as museums or volunteer fire departments, but only when switches are labeled.
The Electrician is basically saying to her 'Why do you need all these lights and switches?'
I miss Scott
can t hese be used on ceiling fans that only have one switch on the wall in order to separately control the light and the fan?
Not unless there are two separate hot wires going to the fan. (One for lights and one for fan) I would say a better option in that case would be a remote control for the fan. That will use the single hot wire that goes to the fan to power the remote control receiver that mounts inside the fan box or canopy and allow you to control the light and fan functions independently.
this guy is way less creepy than the previous TOH electrician
I never heard him mention a battery in that remote. It’s screwed to the wall. How do you replace it?
Glen England unscrew it.
I just remembered I have one it's been 2 years so far battery still works.
Batteries are a hassle I'd prefer to avoid.
these dont run on batterys.. its a wireless signal kinda like radio waves
Lutron guarantees the batteries for 10 years, and that is conservative. The remote Pico is the only piece that has a battery. It's a common battery, easily changed.
@@STXVIEC they have a ten year battery life.
Unfortunately, by adding this to your home network, you potentially give malicious actors access to your wireless network. From there if they can get control of your router, any device in you home network may be accessible.
vlan, problem solved
@@alpha1172 That's not a solution most people will want to bother with.
@@alpha1172 I was boutta comment this. I did this on my home network recently. the only problem is most people dont know how to setup vlans and an even bigger problem is most people don't have the equipment to do it
@@itech301 dont most consumer router/switches have vlans? i dont really remember
Doesn't require network unless you get the hub. And..if a person can get into your network via this switch or hub, you have a network issue...not a hub or switch issue.
What is the red switch for at 4:35? it's above the regular switch.
It's a fire alarm
thanks
I have this same thing setup in my bedroom. Hate it! It has a very aggressively slow dimmer & it causes my light to not turn on most of the time. I can't use the memory because that function is only on the remote!
I'm planning to switch it out with a regular Lutron dimmer switch.
I want less stuff in my house using internet
Just skip the hub
Except it doesn't. It sends the signal via wireless to the other switches. The hub is what's requiring the Internet. (optional)
There are alternatives to obtain the same functionality without them connecting to the cloud.
Doesnt require internet, its just an option
What about battery?
Is there even one?
no, they run off radio waves which means they wont ever stop working
The CR2032 coin cell lithium battery in the Pico remote will last for 10 years.
Would love a nanny like her...
Nice kid
There is a major flaw in this system....when your electrician has no idea how to properly install it......Have this on a commercial building and it is a nightmare to use!!!! I see how the system has potential, but make sure you have a qualified installer.
Enjoy replacing all the batteries.
Lutron advertises the battery life to be 10 years and they are easy to replace so not a big issue
Simpler solution, just put Inovelli switches (z-wave) in with a Hubitat Hub. 1 at the door, 1 at the other door, and 1 at the sink. Link them together in the software of the hub. That way when one turns on the others turn on also. Its simple and smart. This is really over complicated and required a total of 5 switches 4 of them with 4 buttons on them each? So over complicated. Any $100 hub does all these features. You would have so many options to change it as well if you would like to down the road. IE make all the lights one group and all switches turn on or off all 6 lights. Or another option if you want to keep their groupings, single click up just the 2 lights it used to control come on.. double click up, they all go on.. I wonder how much companies pay to have them show of their bad products. There is a place for these switches but I would not use them here.
I think every time they do these smart home videos I'm going to do a "Here's how to actually do it" video in reply
Only two things I didn't like about those light switches, the originals, first was two switches for 2 lights in the dining room/workspace, a single switch would be fine there, the other is that an under cabinet switch for lights over there, just tie everything together as "kitchen lights". As much as those Lutron switches cost I would deal with walking across the room to turn off the dining room lights... I know 1st world problems and all that.
Drywall anchors for a 3oz remote? Seems overkill. Drywall screws would hold that just fine.
It’s a liability thing
Apparently you don't have kids
Sure. But when you're doing this professionally to make money, just slapping a screw into drywall looks bad and creates the possibility of a callback, both of which are bad for business.
Your statement and solution makes no sense.
2nd
Where my boi Scot
Looks easy ???
switches linked dont even match
“I’m sure you’ll want to turn them all on or all off, especially if you want to go to bed and leave the room. You don’t want to be going back and forth, and turn multiple switches off.” “Absolutely...” - First world problems.
T&M Sharpening it’s still a legit problem
qwerdssa I know! It’s kinda like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Spending all that time opening all sorts of jars, using who knows how many knives. If only they could put the peanut butter and jelly into the same jar 🤔
WIRELESS LIGHT SWITCHES
MY COUSIN HAD SOMETHING LIKE THESE IN HIS HOUSES AND ENDED UP TOSSING THE KRAPPERS IN THE TRASH FOR PLAIN OLD 3 WAY SWITCHES
PROBLEM SOLVED
Why are you yelling? Did you forget to turn on your hearing aid?
Is it just me or are those Amazon prices inflated.
I like turtles.
What's not to like?
She hot
Where is jhonny sins
That kitchen looks dead.
Massive sterile looking home. Doesn't look like anyone lives there.
dalesworld It’s straightened-up for television - just like you would do if you had company visiting your place.
I am waiting for someone to tell them " no thx, I dont want that smart spying crap in my house"
It doesn’t spy tho
It spies on when you turn the kitchen lights on and off for the vacation mode feature.
Looks like they found a new guy for 5 bucks an hour.
typical entitled millennial...
Without drilling any holes... You just drilled 4 holes into the wall
There is nothing in the kitchen. No paper towels, no cutting board, nothing! What did she do to that poor family that lived there?!? I think we deserve to know!
Chicanery!!!
Chicanery!!!
No thank you. I prefer a dumb home.
1st
*I've Been A GD Electrician For 90 Effing Years And This SOB Should Be Put In Prison !!!*
First
Do you need a neutral wire for these to work?
You don't need a neutral with lutron.