controlling the sets of lights from several locations

[mike111]

I have two sets of lights ("A" and "B" which I would like to control from two different locations in the condo. In each location there should be for each set an on/off switch + a dimmer:

 

Since there are two sets of controls per set of lights, how do I select which set of switches is the "master", that is, determines the actual light strength?

 

If I'm sitting at Location 1 I want the controls there ( switch + dimmer ) to be the master. Likewise when I'm at location 2.

 

I tried explaining what I want to a Thai electrician but he kept saying this isnt viable.

 

Would appreciate suggestions.

 

Cheers

 

[bino]

I'm not a sparky - I am sure someone will come along with better information, but I believe your Thai electrician is right. This would be difficult to achieve with conventional "three way" wiring.

Perhaps you would need to look at a home automation system like "X-10" modules and controllers.

[firefox999uk]

I’m sure this would be better in the electrical forum.

 

And I’m sure if it is possible 'Crossy' will have the answer.

 

 

Have a Nice Day.

[ksamuiguy]

Remote switches are avaliable here in Thailand.

with dilling capability, yes 

easy to install.

They have them with 2 remotes if you want.

if the lights are already installed Hard wiring difficult at best.

remote control switches are the way to go.

[Crossy]

Let's put this in electrical.

 

As you need to operate the dimmer from both ends you need a remote dimming system, the dimmer itself sits somewhere convenient. This is controlled by as many remote switches as you want or even a keyfob remote control.

 

Something like this http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Wiring_Accessories_Menu_Index/Wiring_Accessories~Dimmers_All/VL_IQ_Touch_Dimmers/Wiring_Accessories~Dimmers_5/index.html

 

Try the dedicated lighting stores, they're certain to have something suitable (famous last words there).

 

[Nomad97]

This Thai company seems to have them: http://www.bestthailed.com/store/product/view/Led_Dimmer_8A_Remote_IR-24963880-th.html

[trogers]

One dimmer to a set of lights with 2 switches. Dimmers need not be adjusted often.

Thus you have a pair of wires between dimmer and light set, and a pair of wires between each switch and the dimmer. Edited August 9, 2014 by trogers

[mike111]

Mates, tnx for the replies.

Does this mean I need to carry around the remote control unit? This kind of negates the purpose of multiple switches.

Isnt it possible to have wall mounted units at each location?

Also with the remote unit, do I need one remote per dimmer (say one for lights A and another for lights B)?

Cheers

[trogers]

Mates, tnx for the replies.

Does this mean I need to carry around the remote control unit? This kind of negates the purpose of multiple switches.

Isnt it possible to have wall mounted units at each location?

Also with the remote unit, do I need one remote per dimmer (say one for lights A and another for lights B)?

Cheers

In this day and age, you don't even need a manual remote. Wire the whole house up with microchips and you need only give verbal commands.

Just fly in a couple of techies from the US.

[ksamuiguy]

Most remote switches come in 2 and 4 circuit so 1 remote controlls all.

If you have a 2 way switch at each location you can add a dimmer next to the switch.

if the wiring is not wired for a 2 way switch it would be a bitch as another wire would need to be added between switches.

The make a dimmer with "Scene Control" but agian if not set up for 2 way a bitch.

[ksamuiguy]

You can also control your dimmers, gate, security devices from a Smart Phone also.

[Crossy]

If you don't want the handheld remote, you can use wall mount remotes like the ones in my link.

[mike111]

Tnx, but again which dimmer will actuallt determine the lights state?

Say the master dimmer unit is on setting 1 while I'm using a slave dimmer unit and setting it to setting 2. Which setting prevails?

[RichCor]

There are two or more methods to wire this. One would be to use a WIRED Switched circuit.

 

   

 

The first example (Fig 8.) is for ON/OFF Switch only, and relies on (2) 3-Way and (1 or more) 4-Way 'Switches' to control the on/off state of a light or lights.

 

The second example (Fig 9.) is similar but uses (1) ON/OFF-'master' Dimmer control and (2 or more) SLAVE-Dimmer controls to control the on/dimmer/off state of a light or string of lights. The SLAVE-Dimmer sends 'signals' to the 'master' Dimmer to adjust the on/dimmer/off state.

 

This requires 3-WAY WIRING [ (2) Hot-capable Load Wires and (1) Neutral ] be run between each Switch Box.

 

_________

 

A second method would be use battery-operated Radio Controlled Light/Dimmer remote controls. These can either look like "remote controls" OR look like Light Switches with Dimmer Controls that get mounted to the wall where a normal switch might go.  It then is used to 'send' signals to a 'master' control to change the on/dimmer/off state of a light or string of lights. The Radio in each remote is used to send signals to the 'master' receiver/controller so no extra/special wiring would be required.

 

As already stated, some can even be controlled over WiFi with a SmartPhone App ( google "Whole House Controls"

 

There are a number of ways that these things can work. Just google "Radio-Controlled Remote Wall Dimmer Switch" and select IMAGES for examples.

 

 

 

Examples, like this Luminode or this Olutron image show Fully Wired or Battery Powered Remote Plates:

 

      

[mike111]

Tnx RichCor, this clarifies quite a bit the master/slave setup.

 

Are the wireless master/slave dimmer wall-mounted units available in Thailand?

 

Cheers

 

 

 

[mike111]

Bump

Any shops in pattaya/jomtien which carry these wireless wall mounted dimmers (master+slave)?

Cheers

[RichCor]

You may want to look at places that sell ceiling fans, or lighting electrical shops.

 

Sorry, I don't know the Chonburi area that well.

 

//edit

 

A google search turned up a page containing possible businesses from a Farang Friendly? website:

 

Pornchai Electric

27/11 Moo5 Sawang Fa Road, Naklua, Bang Lamung, Pattaya, 20150

 

L E D Studio

Moo 6, Sukhumvit Road, Pattaya, Bang Lamung, Central Pattaya, Pattaya, 20150

 

Porchai Lighting

10/3, Moo 6, Pattaya Nua (North Road), Pattaya, Bang Lamung, Central Pattaya, Pattaya, 20150

 

Sang Udom Lighting

Moo 4, Sukhumvit Road, Pattaya, Bang Lamung, Central Pattaya, Pattaya, 20150

 

Gecko Light & Decor

Moo 12, Sukhumvit Road, Pattaya, Bang Lamung, Central Pattaya, Pattaya, 20150

 

La Movida - Jomtien

Moo 12 Soi 5, Beach Road, Jomtien, Bang Lamung, Jomtien, Pattaya, 20150

 

Edited August 10, 2014 by RichCor

[mike111]

Tnx.

 

I have enquired in one of the big home depot-style mega shops here but the staff said they've never heard of wireless dimmers.

 

Cheers

 

[RichCor]

While most 'wired' dimmers need to be 'gang wired' (attached together in a string), they also make remote units that attach to any electrical wiring as these second type work by sending signals over the in-home wiring and work fine so long as there aren't electrical-noise-inducing appliances on the same circuit.

 

Just ask people what type of multiple-location light dimmer units they sell.  Hopefully you'll be shown something that acts as a master with multiple remote slave in the Wired 3-way, Wired X10, Wired Automated Home, Wired with Radio Control, or Battery Powered Wireless Control units.

 

I wonder where Crossy went?  He probably knows where these things are sold locally.  You might want to try to PM him with a question. 

 

[IMHO]

When all else fails... ebay to the rescue

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lutron-MAW-603-RH-Maestro-Multi-Location-600-Watts-Dimmer-Kit-Light-Almond-/221517129088?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3393732580

 

Note: this is a 120V system... use your searchfu to find a 220V version

 

Edited August 10, 2014 by IMHO