Extension build help (lighting, security, automation!)

mushii

The whine is because without a neutral the module is continually having to dim, rather than turn the power off to the bulb. The whine can sometimes be due to the bulb putting excessive load on module. Sometimes swapping the bulb for another brand can help.

d0z3y

Great, that's pretty much what I thought.  So that alone is a good reason for running the neutral.

Do you have any thoughts on Aeotec vs Fibaro (or an alternative) - both switches and dimmers?

mushii

I use Fibaro, for no better reason than I like their product, they get slightly better reviews than Aeotec and I know how to configure them. I do not believe that either product is any better than the other, but as an installer and CI I tend to try and limit the number of products that I work with and only work with those that I know work and are reliable.

Running a neutral to switch just provides more installation options and many times I dont always want a dimmer, I just want on or off. For example my garden lights are not dimmable, and a dimmer would if activated by mistake play havoc with the transformer and lights that I use. Likewise all of my external security and aesthetic house lighting is non-dimmable so I only want on or off. Sometimes I use a combination of Zwave switching and Hue GU10's (for ambience) and again I do not want the GU10s dimming. Lots of reasons why installing a Neutral to have on/off switching maybe more appropriate than dimming (without a neutral).

d0z3y

Awesome.  Thanks!

mushii

YVW