Hey all, curious if anyone knows of a z-wave/zigbee single gang two load switch? I currently have single gang switches of this type for my ceiling fans, where the hot is bridged on the input side with two rockers for two independent hot outputs, to control the fan and its light. I can't switch to the Inovelli fan switch for two reasons; my fans are DC motor, and they also have remote controls that already have an RF receiving module in the ceiling cap, so no room for a second device in there.
Welcome. assuming you are in the USA?
I would think despite the motor being DC, the manufacturer would never expect you to have DC in home, so the fan must be able to accept AC input, in which case the Zooz might work?
although don't know how the factory remote would like having the power cut, although sounds like you're doing it already.
Sorry, yes USA, and correct on the DC fan taking AC input. My reason for mentioning that is fans with DC motors (and AC input feeding a transformer) are incompatible with some electrical switches labeled as "fan" switches. Some fan switches have speed control built in, but they're really just changing the input voltage to slow the fan down.
This one you sent looks like a great option. The dimmer side would wire into the fan's light circuit, the relay on/off side to the fan. Thanks!
Great, glad to hear it. Curious, how does the OEM fan controller deal with power being cut from the switch? Does the controller remember its state?
You made me wonder and I googled and apparently DC fans are much cheaper to operate, by almost 50%. I found that very interesting. Thanks
Yep exactly; when you turn the switch on the blades start about a second or two later once it "boots up" and resumes where it was at. They have an RF remote to control speed/direction, which perhaps next go-round will ideally be RF+z-wave so I can control them either way.
You're right on the power; the up front cost was a bit higher, but they're particularly efficient at low to mid speeds, sometimes coming in even as high at a quarter of the ac-motor equivalent power draw. The one in my office that I run on low is only 2.5 watt but still moves 672 cfm at that speed.
ah, RF, is it 315 or 4xx mHz? there's a bond controller for RF fans, which has an HE integration, and also a broadlink device(RM PRO) that does RF and integrates with HE. Broadlink is very cheap
Hmm I wish I knew. The fans are from the "Minka Group" and the remotes are fairly generic; Minka Group® :: FANS :: Indoor
Their AC-based fans have actual fan-side electrical boxes the RF remote talks to, similar to how the Inovelli controls fan speed with an always on hot and a box in the ceiling canopy to manipulate or cut the voltage. Their DC-based fans have a fan side RF module that also goes in the ceiling can but it just talks to the fan electronics, doesn't touch the electrical side.
If I could replace their remote with something z-wave, that would be great, but wasn't going to put any effort into that personally. My horrible experiences with their warranty, and warranty support, means I just replace their fans as they die, and will buy something better that can be managed next time around. They are not a fun company to have to interact with; they'll do everything in their power to avoid any direct communication and they use a dealer network to insulate themselves, so anyone who happens across this and says hey I'd like a DC-based fan, I would avoid theirs because they're only good until you have a warranty claims.
Ah, Minka Aire. I have one in my bedroom, about 18 years old, and about 5 years ago it started a humming from the motor. I took advantage of the lifetime warranty, and outside of them cracking the fan in half!! They did repair the motor. They claim it broke in shipping, but I'm not buying it. They actually glued it together and painted it, and it looks acceptable. My wife is VERY particular about the "style". Me, I couldn't care less if it was a 1965 Chrysler radiator fan on the ceiling, as long as it moves air and I just wanted to buy a new fan, but she had to have the same style. It's a cast porcelain with 3d tassles
I wonder if their warranty terms and honoring them have just gone downhill on more recent models; the typical race to the bottom in quality. I'm definitely not holding out hope mine last 18 years
I agree 100% & I really regret having to echo the same experience with many other companies. It seems many companies are, like you said, in a race to the bottom, profits above all else, and it is getting worse.
I doubt I'd get the same service I did 5 years ago.
