Light-switch compatibility and module testing

[Brems 0]

Hello guys,

 

I'm thinking of installing some Fibaro home automation, primarily to manage light switching from my lazy couch (I also love a turn-off-all-lights-in-the-house-switch). I have some very newbie questions though.

 

1. Are the Fibaro modules compatible with all sorts of light-switches? (The 2 types of light-switches I can think of are the ones with two stances (those that stick out a bit at the top or bottom, depending on the stance) and the ones that don't "remember" their stance (they just toggle the light on or off everytime you press them))

 

2. If you have 3 light-switches for the same light (let's say switch 1 and 2 are connected to switch 3 and switch 3 is connected to the light) and only 1 of them has a Fibaro module behind, can Fibaro tell whether the light is turned on (toggled by either of the 3 switches)? And does it matter which of the 3 switches has the Fibaro module?

 

3. Does the Fibaro HC2 have a testing function with which you  can test your installed modules without it being connected to the internet?

 

Some more (possibly useful) info:

* I live in Belgium.

* I'm thinking of buying the Fibaro HC2 since I am a computer programmer and would like to fiddle around with some advanced scenes.

* Initially I'm thinking of automating my light-switches, shutters and heating.

 

I hope my questions are clear and some of you can answer them.

 

Thanks in advance!

[Kuba13 49]

On 22. 9. 2016 at 11:35 PM, Brems said:

Hello guys,

 

I'm thinking of installing some Fibaro home automation, primarily to manage light switching from my lazy couch (I also love a turn-off-all-lights-in-the-house-switch). I have some very newbie questions though.

 

1. Are the Fibaro modules compatible with all sorts of light-switches? (The 2 types of light-switches I can think of are the ones with two stances (those that stick out a bit at the top or bottom, depending on the stance) and the ones that don't "remember" their stance (they just toggle the light on or off everytime you press them))

 

2. If you have 3 light-switches for the same light (let's say switch 1 and 2 are connected to switch 3 and switch 3 is connected to the light) and only 1 of them has a Fibaro module behind, can Fibaro tell whether the light is turned on (toggled by either of the 3 switches)? And does it matter which of the 3 switches has the Fibaro module?

 

3. Does the Fibaro HC2 have a testing function with which you  can test your installed modules without it being connected to the internet?

 

Some more (possibly useful) info:

* I live in Belgium.

* I'm thinking of buying the Fibaro HC2 since I am a computer programmer and would like to fiddle around with some advanced scenes.

* Initially I'm thinking of automating my light-switches, shutters and heating.

 

I hope my questions are clear and some of you can answer them.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

 

1. Toggle and momentary switches work fine with anny module that you install udner said switch - you just need to have 60mm deep wall instalation hole.

 

2. Are you familliar with stairway instalation? Its basically paraller connection of light switches. that is something you can to do make it work.

 

3. A function like that is not present, however you can use HC2 off the itnernet (with varrying degrees of suxcess - for example date, weather, time, phone app wont work propertly or at all incase of app).

 

FGS (switches) are one of easy installable devicess - you just need 110-250V AC and something to switch (like light, electric heater etc.). Roller shutters are slightly more complicated but i think its achivable with little effort. Heating i'd think of HeatIt and Danfoss - they seem to work decently within Fibaro.

[petergebruers 1,268]

What Kuba13 says, with one addition: switches with indicators (LED or neon) don't work unless you are able to rewire or disconnect the indicator.

 

BTW what do you mean by testing? All Fibaro modules respond to button presses, even when there is no controller. So you'll always be able to turn on/off the light. Some modules contain the equivalent of a 'ping' test and indicate how well they can reach the controller.