Sign Up to our social questions and Answers Engine to ask questions, answer people’s questions, and connect with other people.
Login to our social questions & Answers Engine to ask questions answer people’s questions & connect with other people.
Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email.
Please briefly explain why you feel this question should be reported.
Please briefly explain why you feel this answer should be reported.
Please briefly explain why you feel this user should be reported.
Here, we celebrate the art of atmosphere. Share your unique setups, discover new ways to enhance your daily comfort, and see how others are living with Repenic. Your ideas, feedback, and inspirations are the blueprint for what we build next. Let's co-create the tranquil feeling of being home.
If a 3 gang Dimmer is 400W, is that 400W per dimmer (3) = 1200W, or 400W for all dimmers?
Normally per dimmer, but it should say on the back of the outlet if its per dimmer or the total loading for the three dimmers hope this helps
Normally per dimmer, but it should say on the back of the outlet if its per dimmer or the total loading for the three dimmers hope this helps
See lessProgrammable Dimmer Switch (not just on/off)
This is achievable with a Smart Bulb. Just set the schedule in the bulbs app.
This is achievable with a Smart Bulb. Just set the schedule in the bulbs app.
See less6 lights, dimmer switch
Are your lights led? 6" cans? Bulbs? Usually what was once a 60watt incandescent bulb is now a 5w led. so you should be good as long as your not in the stone ages with your lighting. You want your switch to be capable of more watts than your load. Not matching
Are your lights led? 6″ cans? Bulbs? Usually what was once a 60watt incandescent bulb is now a 5w led. so you should be good as long as your not in the stone ages with your lighting. You want your switch to be capable of more watts than your load. Not matching
See lesslickering LED Lights with a Dimmer? A Quick Fix for a Common Problem!
Awesome tip! I've had this exact issue and this is a great solution.
Awesome tip! I’ve had this exact issue and this is a great solution.
See lessHelp! How to get motion sensor lights working in the hallway?
Hello! That's a great question, and a common one for people getting into smart home setups. Here's a breakdown of the answers to your questions, along with some possible solutions. 1. Can I use a motion sensor with my current dimmer switch, or do I need to replace the dimmer? This depends on your spRead more
Hello! That’s a great question, and a common one for people getting into smart home setups. Here’s a breakdown of the answers to your questions, along with some possible solutions.
See less1. Can I use a motion sensor with my current dimmer switch, or do I need to replace the dimmer?
This depends on your specific setup, but most traditional dimmer switches are not compatible with standalone motion sensors. The reasons are:
Different Circuit Logic: A dimmer switch controls the brightness of the light by altering the voltage, whereas a motion sensor typically acts as a simple on/off switch.
Incompatibility Issues: Connecting a motion sensor (which is essentially a basic switch) to the input of a dimmer can cause the dimmer to malfunction or even be damaged.
Therefore, the safest and most recommended approach is to replace your current dimmer switch. You’ll need to swap it out for either a smart switch that is compatible with a motion sensor or a smart switch that has a motion sensor built-in.
2. Are there any smart dimmer switches that have a built-in motion sensor?
Yes, there are many such products on the market. This is the simplest and most elegant solution to your problem.
These smart dimmer switches have an integrated motion sensor. When they detect movement, they automatically turn on the light to a preset brightness level. They will then turn the light off after a set period of no motion.
Pros: It’s a clean, single-device solution that’s easy to install (you just replace your existing switch).
Cons: These switches may be more expensive than standard ones.
3. If I use a separate motion sensor, does it need to be wired into the main circuit, or can it just be a battery-powered one that communicates with the switch?
Both methods exist, but they represent different technical approaches:
Wired Motion Sensors: These sensors need to be wired into the main circuit, usually in conjunction with a compatible smart switch or relay. They draw power from the circuit and directly control the flow of electricity. This solution is very reliable, but installation can be more complex as it involves handling wires.
Wireless (Battery-Powered) Motion Sensors: This is a very popular solution in the smart home world. These sensors communicate with a smart switch using wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Bluetooth.
How It Works: When the sensor detects motion, it sends a wireless signal to your smart home hub or directly to the smart switch. The smart switch receives the signal and turns the lights on.
Pros: Installation is very simple; you can place the sensor anywhere in the hallway without needing to run any wires.
Cons: The batteries need to be replaced periodically, the wireless signal can be subject to interference, and you will need a smart switch that supports the same wireless protocol.
4. What’s your advice and experience with this?
Most Recommended Solution: Go for a smart dimmer switch with a built-in motion sensor. This is an all-in-one solution that is perfect for your hallway. You simply remove the old switch and install the new one.
For DIY Enthusiasts or More Control: If you want greater flexibility, you could opt for a battery-powered wireless motion sensor and a compatible smart dimmer switch. This allows you to choose from a wide range of different product ecosystems and set up more complex automation rules (e.g., “only turn the lights on if it’s dark and motion is detected”).
Summary of Advice:
For your situation, I would strongly recommend starting with replacing your existing dimmer with a smart dimmer switch that has a built-in motion sensor. It’s the simplest, most reliable, and neatest solution that will completely solve your problem.
If you want to delve deeper into smart home automation and don’t mind having an extra separate device, then a wireless motion sensor paired w
Needs assistance selecting dimmer switches
Can you answer a few quick questions to help narrow it down? 1. How much are you willing to spend per switch? £20 - £80? 2. Do you like toggle switches, decora paddles, or buttons? 3. Are there any additional features you are interested in such as dimming, smart bulb mode, or pre-staging? 4. Do youRead more
Can you answer a few quick questions to help narrow it down?
See less1. How much are you willing to spend per switch? £20 – £80?
2. Do you like toggle switches, decora paddles, or buttons?
3. Are there any additional features you are interested in such as dimming, smart bulb mode, or pre-staging?
4. Do you have neutral wires in your electrical boxes?
Kitchen Reno Brainstorm: Dimmers are In, What Else Should Go?
Lighting is key, and you're already on the right track. Under-cabinet LED strips with dimmers were probably the single best thing I did. It makes the kitchen feel so much more modern and practical. You can have bright light for chopping veg and a lovely soft glow for a late-night cuppa. It's a game-Read more
Lighting is key, and you’re already on the right track. Under-cabinet LED strips with dimmers were probably the single best thing I did. It makes the kitchen feel so much more modern and practical. You can have bright light for chopping veg and a lovely soft glow for a late-night cuppa. It’s a game-changer.
See lessDon’t skip the sockets! Seriously, while you have the electricians in, get those USB charging ports. You will use them constantly. I’d also recommend putting some extra sockets in sneaky places, like inside a cupboard or on the side of a kitchen island. They’re amazing for things like a stand mixer or a coffee grinder that you only use occasionally.
Storage hacks are your friend. I’m all for clever storage over tearing everything out. The pull-out shelves are a godsend—no more getting on your hands and knees to find the saucepan at the back! And for corners, those lazy susan carousels are a lifesaver. You can also get these great little risers and dividers for your cupboards that make everything feel so much tidier.
Think about the faucet. A new tap with a pull-out spray isn’t just about looks; it’s so practical. Washing out big pots and pans is ten times easier, and it just feels like a proper upgrade.