Zigbee - Two way way wall switch

💡 Lighting
1

I want to install some Zigbee switches that are of decent quality and economical. I first thought that I could just add a Sonoff ZBMiniR2. That doesn't work unless I run another wire, as I have the line to the light fixture in one box and and the "Line in" in the other.

Anyone have a good recommendation, or should I just go Caseta and be done with it.

Bob

2

Does it have to be Zigbee? You'll have more options with Z-Wave.

These work well and are inexpensive:

You will need either the switch or dimmer switch and the add-on switch for a 2-way config. Also, go for the 700 series.

1 Like
3

Just in case it helps with any add'l research you may do, the correct term to describe 2 switches controlling the same load is "3-way" (3 switches = 4-way, etc).

I'm sure there's some good reason for that rather unintuitive naming structure, but I've never been motivated enough to chase it down.

4

I've had my best experience with the 'Ge Enbrighten' paddle units. Actually made by Jasco

  • They are Zigbee 3.0
  • rock solid repeaters
  • Dimmable
  • Paddle
  • Have multiple color options
  • Quickfit - they are 20% less deep and wide - fit much better into switch box
  • Can be used in 2, 3 and 4 way configs
  • Smart wiring (line and load can be done wrong and they still work)
  • priced ... okay.

A little expensive imho. The add-on units are less than 20 bux.
This year I added some knockoffs and they work excellent as well but they have a cheap feel to them.
Here's the links at Amazon - looks like the martin-jerry units aren't available.
Be careful when ordering - switch vs dimmer.

I also have a couple 2 way setups that I got off Ali Express. Tuya based devices - they work correctly but make a heck of a noise when they switch. and the paddle actially is more a button. For $8 they're priced nice but I'm not overly happy with those.

5

If going with Z-wave, Zooz are cheaper and have more features than the Jasco/Enbrighten. They also have battery operated buttons that don't require any wiring, which is nice in certain places where the wiring is "wrong", or you don't even have wiring at all. There is even a multi-button if you wanted to turn on more than one thing from that single location.

I am not certain if there are battery operated Zigbee buttons in this format, but you could mix the Zooz Z-wave buttons with those Zigbee relays if you wanted to.

The Lutron stuff is nice, and reliable, but has less features (scenes, multi-taps, smart bulb mode) than the Zooz and other similar switches. The buy-in is quite large for their hub if you are only doing a couple buttons and switches. You really need to have about a dozen or more buttons to really make their hub break even with other brand buttons.