Based on some recommendations I saw here a few days ago I've decided to jump into Lutron Caseta devices. I ordered the PRO hub and a dimmer starter kit (Caseta dimmer, Pico and wall plate) and I plan to get them installed this weekend to try them out.
I spent all day yesterday reading thru any Lutron and Caseta related posts and while there's a TON of good info I am now quite confused about additional Caseta products so I'm hoping someone can boil it down for me.
I saw reference to Dimmers (i'm fairly sure I need these, i have no neutrals) but also to switches (which need a neutral).
As far as Dimmers are concerned I believe there were 3 models mentioned? 1 that supported fan loads, 1 that supported CFL\Halogens and 1 for LEDs?
Sounds like their switches won't work for me because they need a neutral.
And then I saw mention of RF2 communication?
Basically I have ~3800qsft and a TON of 3 and 4 way switches that until now I have not been able to replace. From the way it was explained, the Caseta dimmer \ Pico combo will make it possible for me to replace those. All of them are controlling either incandescent or LED loads, and I plan to replace the remaining incandescent bulbs with LED so I just want to make sure I'm not investing in a hub and won't be able to meet my needs.
As much as I like the Picos, since they are slim and can replace switches plus be put in other places, the look of those have a low WAF so I'm hoping I can use the Caseta Diva Dimmer with a Pico to replace a 3-way so at least some of the switches will look like my Zwave + dimmers that I've had to use for single lights.
Correct. The simple on/off switch does require a neutral. So do their fan controls by the way.
there's one for EVL - which would likely be halogens. Not sure about CFL. Does require neutral.
Correct. The dimmers do require a minimum load otherwise when you turn them off the attached lights dim but don;t actually turn all the way off. Usually a circuit with a couple of LEDs is enough. They do sell (might be included) a capacitor you can use as a dummy load to eliminate this issue.
The Caseta line uses clearconnect. There are other Lutron lines that use a different radio - RA2. THose can also be integrated but it's a bit of a different animal.
Since fans require neutral I guess I'll stick with old-school switches for those. And a $90 no-neutral Lutron switch makes me think I'll just stick with the Enbrighten Smart Dimmer (no neutral) for the individual switches since it's around $60....
Last question, re: the Caseta Diva, which has the more traditional paddle look. Are those compatible with the PRO hub and can be paired with Picos?
Yes to both questions. You can also buy picos and not pair them with switches so you can control non lutron things. You can get pedestals for them or mount them in a switch plate.
No you need the hub but it's lightning fast. I use picos for table lamps (have them on a pedestal) because I use colored bulbs in those (lifx) and it's easier then reaching into the lamp lol. All the switches/dimmers/fan controls in my house are lutron
Actually RadioRA 2 and Caseta use the same clearconnect wireless protocol. But Caseta devices will only pair with a Caseta bridge, and RadioRA with a RadioRA 2 Main Repeater. Just one of the ways Lutron segments their product lines .
And a lovely bit of hackery for anyone with a rooted Wink Hub v1 was to edit the SQL table of permitted Caseta devices so one could pair Radio RA2 devices to it.
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