|
|
 |
|
No items in cart
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Solution of the Week
Add a Virtual 3-Way Switch Anywhere
 |
Unless your home was custom built to your specifications, chances are there's at least one built-in light fixture that you wish you could control from more than one switch — just like the lights in most stairwells and hallways. These lighting circuits are known as "3-way circuits," and there's two ways of adding them:
1. You can hire a licensed electrician who will have to run new wires in your walls.
2. You can create a virtual 3-way circuit easily and affordably by upgrading two standard light switches with SwitchLinc or ToggleLinc 2-Way Dimmers. This method is not only significantly faster and more affordable, you can also do it yourself — no new wires are required! Keep reading to see how �
| | | The Shopping List | |
2-Way SwitchLinc and ToggleLinc dimmers not only directly control lights, they also have the power to act as a transmitter. This means they not only receive commands, they can also send commands to other SwitchLinc and ToggleLinc dimmers and switches (hence the term, "2-way"). To complete this project, you'll need two SwitchLinc or ToggleLinc 2-Way Dimmers.
Note: If the lights you want to control are fluorescent lights, you'll need 2 SwitchLinc or ToggleLinc 2-Way Switches, not dimmers.
 |
Also, if you don't already have an X10 transmitter or X10 software, you'll need one form of X10 transmitter. The easiest and cost-effective transmitter is the X10 Maxi Controller (#4020), although you can also use TouchLinc 4.0 Touchscreen Controller, PowerLinc USB, PowerLinc II Serial, SmarthomeLive or many others.
| | | The Installation | |
 |
Once you have the new dimmers, simply install them in place of the two standard switches that you want to link. Click for step-by-step wiring instructions or a full-size wiring diagram.
Next, you'll want to program both of the new dimmers to the same X10 address. X10 addresses consist of a "house code" (represented by the letters A-P) and a "unit code" (represented by the numbers 1-16). It doesn't matter which X10 addresses you use, although we recommend that you don't house code "A." Why? Because that's the default house code and the one your neighbors are most likely to use if they ever get a similar system (and needless to say, you wouldn't want your neighbors to be able to control your lights from their house).
To program each X10 address, use the Maxi Controller (or any other X10 transmitter) to enter the programming codes and assign the addresses.
| | | The Results | |
Once you've set it up, you'll now be able to control the lights from either of the two dimmers you installed. For example, when you tap the top of the SwitchLinc, or press the ToggleLinc switch up, it will transmit an ON signal, and the other SwitchLinc/ToggleLinc will turn the lights on. Tap the bottom of the SwitchLinc, or press the ToggleLinc switch down, and the other unit will turn the lights off.
You'll even have remote dimming capability! To adjust the brightness level from the SwitchLinc, simply press and hold the bottom (or top, if brightening) and release when the LED brightness bar corresponds to your desired level. After you release, the SwitchLinc will send out a preset dim command equal to the level you just selected, causing the lights to adjust to that level. This feature also works with ToggleLinc switches, although since there's no LED light bar, you'll have to get used to how long to hold it down to get the light level you prefer.
For more great solutions, visit our Solution of the Week Archive.
|
|
|
| |
View Cart 
