Getting back in the game

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I sold my house a few months ago, and left my old C-5 hub for the new owners, to control all the switches, pool pump, sprinklers, etc. The new house had no automation, so I just picked up a used C-8, and need to start from scratch (not a bad thing). For now, I have only connected a few things (Hue hub, Bond hub, and my Kasa plugs). But it is time to start working on the more permanent things, like wall switches. The old house had GE switches and dimmer (old school!) some of which had been replaced by Zooz switches. But I am pretty brand agnostic. What would people recommend these days?

There are some particular things that are different in this house, so I have no experience.

One is that they went 3-say switch crazy. Seems like every light has a 3 way switch! There is a pair barely 6 feet from each other! Do I replace only one of them or do they need to be replaced in pairs?

The other issue is I have one of those double switches in a single-gang box. Controls a light and the disposal, in the kitchen. I would love to have the light automated (the disposal, not so much). Is there a solution for this? I cannot make the box bigger, it is mounted on the tiled backsplash, to that is a non-starter.

Any other recommendations or things you think I absolutely need, please chime in! :smiley:

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My house is he same way, built in late 90's, some of them are totally useless.

First I would pull some switches out and get a feel for the wiring. If it follows modern standards you should have hot and neutrals in the boxes with the feeds, and then then 3-way boxes may jut have the traveler wire and that's it. This setup gives you a good amount of flexibility.

If you want the best cost option, I would go with Zooz. You can replace only the main switch and leave the 3-way alone (may not even need to change wiring in some cases). One drawback is that you cannot usually pick which box gets the smart switch, it depends on where the hot feed comes in. The 3-way can then be used just like any other 3-way, to toggle on and off. You don't get the multi tap, etc... Personally now that everything is setup we hardly ever touch the switches themselves.

If you get into a bind and really need the smarts on the other end, you could also use the traveler wires to the 3-way to send a feed over to the box and wire in another smart switch. You then set up the 3-way control with associations or rules on the hub.

I would use dimmers everywhere possible. I even wish I had done dimmers on the outdoor lights, I may swap them out some day. A lot of mine I keep set at the same dim level all the time but then when cleaning or other certain activities I can ramp it up fully. Just keep in mind if you have cheap / non-dimming LED bulbs you might need to upgrade some to avoid flickering.

Check out the Zooz ZEN30, the relay should be able to handle the disposal. Or if you don't like that so much, then check out "Air Gap" switches for disposals. You could add the switch to your counter top, cabinet, or sink and then just wire it hot in the box up above.

Let me know if any other questions. I am a resident Zooz expert and also seem to have a similar situation as you with my house.

Oh and if you do want to go with Zooz, I have custom drivers for most devices, switches and dimmers are here: [DRIVER] Zooz ZEN Switches Advanced (and Dimmers) -- If you want to support my work there are affiliate links on my driver posts you can click to see the product pages and purchase direct from Zooz.

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I now have Zooz LR for all my switches.
Have several 3-ways. Only need one smart switch, other was dumb.
edit: I had neutral.
edit2: One dimmer
Toggle format.
The paddle style is nice because of the indicator lights. I modded my toggles.

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To be clear, just for the dumb switch in the 3-way arrangement.

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If you can fit a smart switch relay behind the switch, and wire the physical light switch to it, it would become smart. The physical switch would still be used to flip the relay. It will get out of sync for on/off if automation changes the state of the light, but not a bad trade-off.

For three ways you have options. I used Zwave dimmers that have the traveler terminal. Switching power to that terminal, or removing it, toggles the state of the switch. So if you use that type, you install the smart dimmer/switch in the box that has line and load. Then use just the red and black wires to the other 3-way box, where you put a normal switch, to just switch power to the traveler terminal. You can tuck away the white wire that used to connect the two 3-ways between those boxes. The remote switch only does on/off if used with a smart dimmer.

There are other smart dimmer/switches that actually act like a 3-way switch, for direct replacement. GE and other brands also have "companion" switches that talk to the main switch, that will allow for dimming from either switch.

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That is very helpful, thanks!

I had looked at the Zen30, but it seemed like it is intended for fans (may need to get some of those for some fans), but did not know if it would work with a disposal. If it does, it would be great, with a big button for the light (used often) and small for the disposal (used rarely). I did have one of those air gap switches in my old house, but putting one in would be a bigger job, and I have enough already, with having moved recently! :smiley:

Good to know that I only need to replace one in each 3-say pair. I am OK with not having the fancy touch and clicks on one side. Leaving the dumb switch will save me some moola!

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What's the current switch format?
Toggle or paddle?
Just curious.

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https://www.support.getzooz.com/kb/article/335-zen30-double-switch-specs/

Says 15A up to 1/2HP, so if you have a 1/2 or 1/4 HP Disposal it should be fine. If you have a beefy 3/4HP then maybe not. It is just a dry contact relay so it can handle a lot more different loads than normal smart switch relays.

Also the suggestion of the relay would work if you can jam one in the box. Zooz ZEN51 could be connected to just the light side of the existing switch.

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Putting on my SAFETY HAT... I would personally NEVER try to make a Garbage Disposal (or a Fireplace) "Smart" with a smart switch. A light coming on randomly is one thing... But a Garbage Disposal (or a Fireplace) coming on when one does not expect it is just too dangerous.

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Final Destination and other movies popped into my head as I was reading :rofl:

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If you are looking at zooz this may help you pick the correct switch(s) Full Guide to Zooz Smart Switches - Zooz Support Center

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They are all toggles. Ugh. This may start my conversion to all paddles...

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I have not opened it yet, but from many years of experience (i.e. I am old! ;)) those double boxes tend to be packed!

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If you're starting from scratch, you could also consider Lutron as an option. Most of my dimmers/switches are Lutron Caséta - they have been bulletproof for several years now. And Pico remotes are very versatile button controllers.

I do have Zooz switches in the bathrooms/closets.

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I'll also chime in that I have a lot of 3 way and 4 way setups, also all Zooz and all work fantastic - took some patience and time to get there. Most are dimming, and a few just on/off. I came from Insteon where the only method of #-way switch was virtual, so thats what I went with - no companion switches. All are the "primary" actually controlling the load and the remaining just effectively hard-wired remote switches. ... here's some history Zooz ZEN 72 dimmer association group doesn't work with double tap - :bellhop_bell: Get Help - Hubitat

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It does seem to be "future", lol.
My house came with toggles, and my previous smart switches were toggles, so I went with toggles.
Long Range Z-Wave has been good to me.

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Certainly a concern. I really wish they had put in a second box.

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A lot if it will depend on the WAF.

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Perhaps one suggestion would be a common one of "take your time...." Both in terms of your own choices for automations as well as device / service selection. Like anyone starting from scratch, but particularly when you have the insight you do, it can be useful to understand what tasks you want to automate in your new home (which may not be the same as your old home).

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Understood.
Who's to tell if she won't change her mind? Lol