I need a recommendation for a 2-gang paddle-type switch replacement or something like it. The form factor is driven by the location of the current switch; two independent circuits in the space of a traditional single gang form factor. I've done some quick research and discovered that are not as many options as I'd have thought there would be. Those that I find are not listed in the Hubitat Compatible list. Some are Matter, some are Zigbee. And, I need the device to support HomeKit integration.
I've been burned by expecting Matter to work and then it doesn't. I do have a few smart plugs and wall single-pole switches. Those worked as my initial experience ... and then I was burned by a major expenditure not working (a front door lock).
So, any suggestions for two independent smart switched controlled circuits in a single gang format that 1) work with Hubitat and can be explored to HomeKit, or, 2) in the case of Matter, paired with HomeKit and then commissioned and Hubitat able to then pair with the commissioned device?
And ... I am open to other options beyond what I am thinking about.
An in-wall relay, particularly a dual one like the Zooz ZEN52 or Aeon Dual Nano, might be a good fit for this application, assuming you have room behind the wall (or at the load[s]) for either, and then you can use whatever switch you want in the front, likely including your existing switches. If you wanted to replace the actual switch instead, the Zooz ZEN30 is the only one I'm aware of, though there may be others like it.
Otherwise, any Z-Wave or ZHA 1.2 or Zigbee 3.0 relay -- like the Zooz ZEN51 -- is likely to work, except that you'd need two instead of one and, again, space for both.
If you share the specific devices you were looking at, sometime might have some experience with their compatibility.
Finally, note that it's important to consider what kind of load is behind the switch, so make sure to compare the specifications for any of the device above -- or whatever you choose -- against the loads you're controlling.
The MOES switch looks like it is the type of thing I am looking for. However, I've not yet included a Zigbee device in my SmarHome setup and am reluctant from just trying something when the device is not listed in the Compatible Devices list provided by Hubitat. Your providing a reference here implies you know it works. Is this true? Thanks.
I appreciate the thoughtful response and the various options presented. The two switches are for a ceiling light/fan combination. The Zen30 disclaims such use. Relays may be an option; still researching.
One device I saw that looked interesting is the "Aqara Smart Light Switch H2 (2-in-1 Neutral, 2 Buttons, 2 Channels), Thread/Zigbee Protocol, Wall Switch for Smart Home, Supports Apple Home, Google, Alexa, Matter Over Thread". This was not in the list of Compatible devices and i've not yet used Zigbee, so I am a bit cautions to try without first hearing that others have done so and had success.
If you're seeing information that sounds like this in discussion of the product, it's probably noting that you won't get speed control of the fan, which is true -- just on/off, but with your existing wall switch (and any option that fits more than this in a single gang), that's probably all you're getting, too.
Interesting. This is what I saw on the Zin30 Spec page, " Maximum Load: 75 W LED, 250 W incandescent (don't use with tube lights, chandeliers, switched receptacles, or fans) - See more about the load." (emphasis is mine) I stopped digging at that point. However, there are some additional linked pages talking various use cases. And, yes, I see what you are saying talked about there.
I'll dig deeper. This may indeed be the right device. Thanks.
Cautious optimism, then for this device. The Zen30 may be the right fit for my need right now. However, I remain interested in progress for Hubitat Matter support. Perhaps one day my front door lock will be supported. Thanks.
That's for the "top" part of the switch; the small bottom relay notes that it can take up to 1/2 HP motors, which is generally suitable for most residential ceiling fans, though, of course, you'd want to verify the specs yourself.
If you want to replace the switch, possibly; but keep in mind the other options that can work behind your existing switches (or perhaps at the load) and provide similar functionality without changing the way anything looks.
Know you have a single gang box there now but is there room for a double gang box? I have ripped out many gang boxes in my home to make room for a larger one so I could add another smart switch.
This would allow you to have 2 separate switches for your fan and light.
That's a very reasonable suggestion. I've replaced boxes myself in other homes. Most recently I tore out a 2-gang box replacing with a larger project box having a door so I could put a Zen17 to control my 2 garage doors. I had to also be a bit creative about pass-thru Romex to a box lower down the wall.
In this case, it is a 2-gang box that is already there. I changed things to only use one side because I needed to place a narrow but tall bookcase against that wall. I made a small cutout at the back to allow access to the double paddle switch. The room is a small bedroom that I use as an office and home studio. Wall space is at a premium. I also need all the shelf space I can get. Without seeing it, let's just say that I loose about 1/2 of a shelf if I keep the 2-gang setup.
You didn't know all that; appreciate taking the time to think about my need.
Have you gone down the Lutron Caseta rabbit hole? I ask because Lutron makes fan controllers and smart switches and you could install both in that existing double gang and cover it with your bookcase. Then use a Pico remote to control the fan and light and mount it anywhere you wish like say on the side of the bookcase.
Lutron Picos open the door to put "switches" anywhere in the room since they are battery powered and can be mounted within their wall mount to look like a regular switch. I also have them installed on their pedestal on tables and desks throughout my home and even have one using their visor mount within my car.
LOL. Another rabbit hole to go down! Your description though is quite tantalizing. I had thought about something like this when I first put in the bookcase. I didn't go there because I had not yet embarked on the Smart Home journey.
I'd resisted the pull of Smart Home ideas because I absolutely knew it was a Pandora's box of possibilities, each with their own sub-boxes and in different stages of maturity. My temperament is to be drawn in deeply once I have opened the topic. I have a lot of this type of activity as my day job. That said, I kinda threw that idea out the door when 1) I created a home audio studio and 2) was forced to deal with a closed ecosystem & expensive subscription based small solution provided by my builder.
I will indeed check into this. What you describe would allow me to 1) reclaim the full shelf, 2) retire awkward access to the physical switch and 3) place a switch in a good location for the current room configuration. Thank you.
EDIT: Do you happen to know if these switches integrate well with Hubitat? Any guidance for what to consider vs avoid?
Lutron Caseta integration is out of the box but requires the Lutron Caseta Pro hub because it is a telnet based integration which only the Pro hub provides. All Lutron switches will be paired to the Caseta Pro hub but via the telnet interface Hubitat listens for updates and will then update the matching device within HE and you can also control those switches via HE as well.
Lutron devices and the Pro hub are an expensive investment but as many have said on this community they are built like tanks and Lutron provides great support and I haven't had any personally fail in many years of use. In fact if I ever build the beach house that I have considered, I plan to go all in with Lutron there.
The Pico remotes alone open a ton of doors for various ways to control any HE device because again HE listens for the button presses and then via the Button Controller app or Rule Machine you can invoke an automation to control anything.
Just like a Pico, you can mount this to the side of your bookcase or anywhere in your room, and control the switches blocked by the bookcase. It is a Zwave device that is battery operated.
There's enough "new thinking" here that I am going to slow down any decision while I better understand my usecases and associated hidden requirements (decomposed, derived). This has been a useful discussion, thank you.
One of my concerns is to try and limit the number of different ecosystems I seek to integrate while also preserving a non-cloud based solution. I have introduced an AirPod mini to get HomeKit and support to the Apple ecosystem that is a significant part of the home. I also have some Amazon gear, an Eero and a Dot. I believe the Eero can act as a hub for Amazon stuff, but I've not really explored this.
Another Pandoras' box to open is the whole video thing. I'm holding off on that one; need to take a break and get some basic automation working using devices I have now. (I just successfully created my first automation; an "It's Bedtime" switch that will turn off all lights except the front porch, which it will turn on, and also lock my doors.)
So, for now, I've paused pursuit of this double switch in a single gang form factor until I've thought more deeply on what I really want as an end-state.
The answer appears to be 'no,' but just confirming that there is no issue with whatever device you may put into the wallbox sticking out a bit like most/all smart devices do. (A follow-up may be to check if the second device would be accessible if absolutely necessary, even if inconvenient with the shelving in front of it.)
Here's what I would do, and options it gives: Put the 2-gang wall box back into the wall. Unless it is absolutely, positively ruled out, 2 separate devices opens up so many more possibilities than a 1-gang combo device. (Though, from what I've read, if you're stuck on the 1-gang path, the ZEN30 appears to be a no-brainer in that scenario. Full stop, IMHO.)
If you do go back to the 2-gang box (or perhaps better stated: 2, separate, 1-gang devices,) you still have plenty of options to 'cover' them and still control them remotely:
Don't purchase anything beyond two smart wall devices and use a combination of rules and dashboards to control the switches.
Buy some manner of button controller (Could even be wired and setup on your desk or a side table) and setup rules to map buttons to switch commands.
Similarly, if you used Zigbee devices, you could even setup Zigbee binding to control the switches directly, and not rely on the hub.
Wire the wall box wires straight-through and use the Inovelli canopy module to control the fan and light, assuming they're a combo unit. (And many of the above suggestions re: control still apply. Also, I am not an electrician. You may find it wise to wire in dumb switches in that scenario, just in case.)
A couple of notes:
I don't think Lutron is a clear winner here, though it's certainly an option. You have to buy a separate hub, then you still have to buy 'remote' equipment. You already have a hub that does everything Lutron can do. It may not (Or, it very well may) do it as pretty or as good, but it will do it. I don't see the point in spending extra money. (Unless, of course, you move other things to Lutron, then the equation changes.)
Also, while I recognize you've had a tough time in the past, don't get caught up on the supported device list. I can't remember the last time I looked at it. What I do is to look in the forums to see others' experiences with the devices. If I see positive results, I proceed with caution. If I see nothing or negativity, then I steer clear.
The challenge with still keeping something in that second position in a 2-gang wall box is that the side support for the bookcase comes down right over it with very little clearance. I am forced to pretty much abandon that specific 1-gang space. Furthermore, there is not enough room to move the bookcase to a position allowing both spots to be used.
That's where I think I will land, though I am going to pause and give time for the other options to be thought through impacted by other concerns I'm not thinking about right now. If there is one thing this thread has confirmed is that I should allow a little time and not rush, even if something seems like a no-brainer.
