The Aeotec Z-Wave gear is rock solid. I have a bunch of it and sure it’s expensive, but lightning fast and wires into Clipsal gear perfectly. Just remember that in locations that you don’t want a dimmer, and need switching power more than the dimmer can handle (I can’t remember the rating of the top of my head) you would need to opt for the normal z-wave switch instead, and they require a neutral. There are ways around the install side of things if you get stuck such as mounting them in the ceiling above the switch and using the wires in the wall to activate the input on the device.
I’ll have a look at the other options you listed when I get some more time.
Regarding Z-wave and HA, i think there is a Zwave2MQTT module available now that lets you control Z-wave gear fairly easily in HA, similar to Zigbee2MQTT. Not sure if you’re required to flash the Z-wave devices or not and what hardware is required to communicate, but that would be an option.
I talked to a Hager rep last week and was told their home automation series is called Coviva and is available in Europe already and should be here soon. It uses the KNX protocol so HA can talk to it.
Another thing I don’t like about their products is that you are restricted to using their wall plates vs using any style you like. I currently have Clipsal 4000 series plates used with my z-wave devices and a bonus is being able to mix and match z-wave controlled and straight normal switch controlled circuits from a single wall plate. eg: in my kitchen I have a 2 gang plate, one button operates a z-wave dimmer and the other button is a regular switch for a second circuit.
Looks interesting but will be released too late for me I’m afraid.
They have controllers similar to the Sonoffs (but zigbee) designed to be placed in-line between the wall switch and the lights. So you could use your own wall plates, but the controllers are a bit too chunky to be placed behind the plate and they only come in single channel so they’re better off in the ceiling.
Just wanted to check the best approach with the clipsal iconic range.
Looks like I’d need an aeotech nano dimmer, and a 41EPBM push button and maybe a dimmer bypass.
Seems to add up potentially a lot per switch I want to use, the 41EPBMs aren’t cheap, is there a cheaper alternative for a push button style setup with iconic? Id prefer to use the push button style and not any kind of rocker alternatives.
Bit of trivia for those who know the electrical game. Trader are a company started by the Gerard Family who were at the top of the heap of quality Australian Electrical manufacturers (think Clipsal which unfortunately is now owned by Schneider Electric)
Where did you all get your ZigBee USB sticks? I can’t find anywhere that will ship the HUSBZB to Australia, and the conbee will be €40 just for shipping. Was wanting to use ZHA, so I’ve ordered a XBEE S2C, but looking for something less “hacky”
Correct me if I’m wrong but Oz standards don’t allow them to be placed behind the wall plate? They can be placed in ceiling or underfloor but must be at least 50cm away. This is incase someone drills in to the wall from adjacent room to, say, hang a picture.
My 5c about my experience with 3A in-wall light switches. I bought one to have a look but didn’t get to use it.
It overall seems OK and solid, certified etc, but design and ergonomics are a bit rough.
Compared with Broadlink TC2 (which isn’t a masterpiece but is somewhat OK in terms of design) it is just a rough cut.
The biggest problem is that it makes a very audible click every time it turns on/off, which is totally not cool (imo) for a light switch. I wouldn’t want to listen to things clicking around every time i turn lights on or off. I can understand the necessity of a physical relay in a smart plug that supports up to 2.5 KWt of power, but 3A switches are anyway limited to ~30Wt (so i can’t connect a ceiling fan via it for example) so no point.
Design is a smaller problem, but it just doesn’t match even the TC2.
On the positive side, they are VERY reasonably priced (well, for Australia that is) and should work fine with most gateways including z2m and cc2531. Z2m didn’t quite work for me out of the box when i tried, but i believe it is not hard to add the required commands and it is probably already done in the newer version.