Z-wave devices very close together?

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1

In our reno we're considering bunching the z-wave modules (eg. dimmers, switches, etc) together in a plastic enclosure in the stud wall with an access panel per room. Effectively clusters of devices distributed around the house.

Are there are any issues people foresee with HE and in general the z-wave mesh technology? Other than the fact that bunching devices together gets me less distance reach overall (which shouldn't be a problem).

thanks

2

Z-Wave switches/dimmers are designed anticipating that exact scenario - potentially several switches close together in a plastic enclosure, i.e., three-gang, four-gang, etc.

So your intent is not to have switches and dimmers in a traditional electrical box, but behind an access panel? Sounds unusual to me, and more likely to have usability and code issues than Z-Wave ones.

3

Hmm. Let me give an example with two circuits for a room: (a) main leds (b) coving led strip

(a) is a dimmer module. Normally you'd put it behind a switch or conceal in a ceiling. Will be a pain as my LEDs are complete units and i have to pull out the whole thing just access the ceiling space. The plasterboard will get damaged 100% each time.
(b) is a switch module. Where would this be as I wouldn't want it on show or just sitting on top of coving. You'd conceal it somewhere like a ceiling or in a wall pattress I assume?

Given that one module would need to be concealed somewhere for sure, might as well put the other too. I'm thinking the normal Appleby stud wall pattress boxes low or high with a thin blanking plate.

It also gives me flexibility if HE fails miserably and one day I want to switch to something else completely like Lutron. Am I overthinking? Unfortunately tech is tech and will fail and annoy at some point.

4

I see what you are saying. I tend to think of modules as something you'd use when replacing the dumb switches is not practical, or control is needed within a ceiling fixture. Doesn't mean that's the only use cases though.

Anyway, with respect to Z-Wave itself, multiple devices in close proximity shouldn't be an issue.

5

I've put these in the ceiling when I added motorised curtain rails. It was handy that I could pass the flex from the motor at high level into the ceiling then drop it straight into the back of the ceiling mounted dry line box. A standard 35mm deep is fine if there's just a single module with a blank cover plate. For two modules stacked you want a 47mm deep box.

I try to keep all my switch and dimmer modules behind the switches. I'd rather not fit in roof voids, behind light fittings etc as I want to be able to access them easily if I need to. Many are in metal back boxes and even that hasn't caused me any issues

6

Yep we're putting deep back boxes just everywhere (we're down to bare brick and stud at the moment). I think i can only fit 2 modules even in a 47mm double pattress because of the actual wires are quite thick. We won't need more than 3 in any given pattress from what i can see on my plans. The odd place might need a 2+1 or 2+2. No-one's going to even notice until you tell them :-p

Good advice all. thx

7

If you have not purchased the switches consider purchasing Zigbee. You will be easier to setup.

8

Hi why would that be? Is that for the modules or switches or both?

9

depending on what switch's your using and how manys ways you might want to go deeper.
for a double switch's with 2 fibaro dimmer 2 modules in one way config i needed 60mm deep
for my 3 way switch's i needed 70mm deep.

ive used schneider ultimate grid retractive switch's