I am in process of building a new house and I planning to have a central electric box where all wiring will lead to (from all push-button switches and lights) - I would prefer to have all lights dimmable. For dimming (or switching on/off) I intend to use Shelly PRO Dimmer(s) - either normal ones (I would use LAN connection) or Wave version (Z-Wave protocol). I was wondering if somebody could tell me if my idea is viable or maybe somebody already has a configuration like this and can give some advice? I am aware I will have to choose correct dimmable LED bulbs, which can be tricky, but I am more interested in Shelly PRO dimmers (if they work fine). I am also open for suggestions for another brand, but I do need them to be DIN mountable.
Hi,
The key is your location and the applicable laws.
For instance, in the UK BS7671 mandates the use of METAL distribution board cases meaning wireless comms are unusable (metal, fire proof, all holes fire stopped, basically a Faraday cage).
There is nothing to stop “home run” or “radial” cabling with all individual circuits and switches led back to a DB or sub-main boards, rather than a local ceiling rose (loop-in system).
Such centralisation allows many different DIN rail controllers from modbus, to Loxone. New installs have lots of options - “budget no object” might go distributed control (Crestron, Loxone, etc), budget local (Sonoff / Shelly behind fittings or switches with Neutral Phase + Load).
There are a few self-builders out there documenting choices.
- Hazy Matt on YT does occasional vids on cabling and tech.
- https://automatedhome.com/ did two self-builds using Loxone
Both seem to be using cabled control (special Cat6) as they can install it easily.