I recently installed two Z-Wave switches in an outdoor switch box, only later to realize that the lowest operating temperature of this switches is 0C/32F. My local climate will fall below freezing, so I am naturally concerned that the devices will stop working. My questions: 1) is my fear warranted? 2) do you know of a wall switch that has an operating temperature as low as 10F/-12C? It does not have to be a Z-Wave device (though I would prefer it, but could not find one), but I would strongly prefer that this device be local access instead of cloud-based
Define “switch”.
maybe but Im going with not likely.
If this is critical function (someone could die or something expensive may break) I would be concerned.
If it is just turning on/off lights I would have no concern. Humidity would be bigger concern for me.
There are small heat coil packs that you can get for electronics if you get issues with this. I believe in testing real world so I would wait and see(unless die or expensive). If if there is claim of performance there is no real guarantee.
If it’s in an enclosed box and on the wall of your house, you’ll likely find that the actual temperature in the box will be a few (or several) degrees above the ambient outdoor temp. The fact that they have a processor means the switch is generating a small amount of heat as well. That will help. And those ratings are usually padded, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the thing continued working even at the -12C you mentioned.
You’re going to install another sensor to monitor temperature and humidity inside your external enclose now, aren’t you? Get one that has a relay as well, just in case you have to add a small heater later, which may be as simple as a small incandescent globe being used for heat rather than light output Self warming may be sufficient - you won’t know until you measure it.