BTW, if I understand your original question, I would just go ahead and get a smart dimmer switch for the closet. Just the regular Lutron Caseta dimmer, for example. Once people can dim using automation, they may also want to use to dim from the Wall Switch, and will probably question the missing capability. And there's no harm in giving them one that can dim.
For example, say you plan to use a 25% setting after 11 PM, but then you happen to drop a mug or something and it breaks on the closet floor. You will Want to be able to increase the brightness so you can make sure you got all the pieces.
Philosophically, as people who know me from other forums know, I do tend to be in favor of offering choices. But I do think in general if automation is available for dimming, it's also nice to have it at the switch even if you think you're not going to use it.
@Roguetech. Another thing to consider with the Lutron Caseta SmartBridge Pro, is that it is limited to 50 devices (IIRC.)
So, you may want to install some Z-Wave switches or dimmers in places like closets. A z-wave dimmer only has an up and down side to it. Much more like a traditional wall switch than a Lutron dimmer. You simply press and hold to adjust dim level up or down.
If the bulb dims under some circumstances, and it has a wall control, having the option to use that wall control for dimming, even under unusual circumstances, is valuable.
It's not the topic, but I quoted the part that addresses a home automation system... "Lighting outlets shall be permitted to be controlled by occupancy sensors..." And I quoted the part requiring an "air gap". "... and equipped with a manual override** that will allow the sensor to function as a wall switch...."
Not much on there about using remotes. There's one thread where dude is putting all the switches in one location, which - if my interpretation has validity - would be skirting code, since it says " at a customary wall switch location", but I suppose a hallway could be argued to be "customary". God knows, people put light switches in some bizarre places.
But, as we've discussed before, I'm really pro-manual control over power. We'll just have to agree to disagree on that I hope I won't regret it in the future (like if I have to remove the stuff when I sell), but the extra effort and expense is worth it to me.
Absolutely agree with the closet. My conundrum is for the guest bath. I believe my fiancee and I have agreed that we're just have to make it through life having manual dimming control using the 4-button Caseta dimmable. (in my case, that means recessing yet another switch, but that's on me.)
I suppose it would depend somewhat on who’s using it.
If it’s a light in your bedroom closet, then you (or your spouse) might be the only ones that ever see it. And it’s your closet so who cares. Might be an issue to consider when you sell your house though.
If it’s a guest bedroom closet, I could see people getting confused about a light that appears to be dimmable but can only be turned on/off at the switch.
All depends on the closet. Our closet is the width of the room, at the end of the bed with sliding doors. So when one of us is up before the other, it's really nice to be able to dim the lights for the other person still trying to sleep, and it's easier on the blurry-eyed person getting up in the morning too.
I'm hoping automated dimming will take care of that, but... I'll admit that might be one of those things that doesn't work 100% of the time, and I don't have the experience yet. My current plan is to use a 2-button Pico. First time I get blinded by the closet light, I'll replace it with a 4-button!
I agree, my head hurts after scrolling through this thread. It's definitely a TLDR
Maybe it's been suggested, but if you just want a two button paddle, that dims, why not install a GE/Jasco or Homeseer?
He’s already invested in a Casèta Pro bridge, so there’s the answer that satisfies both the function and form perspectives. A $15 Pico fits the bill from here forward where his lighting, shades, music, etc. are concerned. Maybe a zwave controller here or there where smart bulbs are not available or desired.
First, @doug, I didn't want a paddle switch. That would be different from every other room in the house. I wanted on/off Caseta/Pico switch, but with the ability to automate dimming. Having consistent controls throughout a house isn't "form over function", rather "function of form".
I went with the Caseta dimmer in the master bath. I will put a 2-button Pico in the master closet. That's not an issue. In the guest bath, I could hypothetically replace the switch with a smart dimmer and put a 2-button Pico over it, but it would be a bitch since it... Well, suffice it to say it'll be a lot easier to use a Caseta dimmer (no need for TLDR unless you actually want the long version).
I hope I won't regret it in the future (like if I have to remove the stuff when I sell), but the extra effort and expense is worth it to me.
