How Much Power Does A Caseta Dimmer Draw
Reading Time: 14 minutes
Smart lighting has become pop among home automation users because it adds an element of security and convenience. Lutron, one of the premier lighting control companies, operates in the residential market place with their Caséta Wireless line of products. Their system focuses on smart light switches and window shades. Nosotros have a expect at the primal products that make up the Lutron Caseta Smart Lite System.
Our Verdict
We think the Lutron Caséta Wireless lighting system is the best choice for near people who want to install smart switches. The system works well in small or medium sized homes since it has a standard range of 30-feet. However, an additional module tin can extend the range to 60-feet.
We've been using the arrangement in our dwelling house for a few years and it simply works. In add-on to our feel, we have spent a lot of fourth dimension reading online forums about the different smart switches on the market. Users agree that Caséta is the most reliable arrangement available.
Since it connects to a broad range of other home automation products, information technology should fit seamlessly into your existing system. Or information technology tin serve equally the foundation for a growing smart home.
What Nosotros Similar:
- Easy to set up with a user-friendly App
- Works with Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Flash, Alexa and Google Assistant
- App ncludes simple controls for thermostats from Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell
- Reliable and durable
- Includes Smart Away vacation mode to turn lights on and off when you are away
Flaws:
- Switches require Lutron Bridge, which is not a true smart home hub
- Limited range may not work with very large homes, thirty feet standard (60 feet max range)
- Multiple users or phones tin control the system, simply they must utilize the aforementioned login data
Alternatives:
- Y'all can also consider the Belkin WeMo or TP-Link Kasa switches if you have a neutral wire in your switch box.
Overview of the Lutron Caseta Wireless System
The Lutron Caséta Wireless arrangement is mainly used for controlling lights, but it can also control window shades. In improver, the system connects to other smart home products and then you can utilize vox commands, control thermostats, or play Sonos music. Yous can likewise link it to smart dwelling house hubs and control your lights with Samsung SmartThings, Wink, or Apple tree HomeKit.
The system communicates using the proprietary Lutron Clear Connect protocol. Articulate Connect is a wireless technology that works in the low-use 434 MHz frequency band to communicate with private control devices. It also uses Wi-Fi to connect to other systems, like Nest. As with most home automation hubs, the Smart Span requires an Ethernet connection to your router then you can access it when you are abroad from home.
Because of Clear Connect, the Lutron Caséta does not affect your homes internet performance or bandwidth (although that isn't generally a problem since smart hubs only use a small amount of information). To connect to Articulate Connect, yous utilize the Lutron Smart Bridge – accessed through the deject during the initial setup process.
The standard range of one device is thirty feet or 2500 foursquare feet. To extend the wireless range, yous must install a lamp dimmer inside range, and that will add together another 30 anxiety of range. You tin only extend the range in one case per system. Therefore, all accessories must be within 60 anxiety of the Bridge.
Lutron Caséta Wireless Smart Span
Find it here on Amazon
The Lutron Caséta Smart Bridge is the brain behind the system. It acts as a central hub that gives commands to all of the calorie-free switches on the network. The hub is quite small – it weighs less than a pound and measures at three x 3 x 1.two inches. The hub has an LED ring effectually the middle that lights upward white when all is well. The LED changes colors or flashes to provide error codes or other information.
The Smart Bridge connects up to 50 Caséta Wireless capable devices like light switches and dimmers. In improver, they take a serial of window shades that are compatible. Proceed in heed that the Lutron App volition not control other accessories like leak detectors, security cameras, locks, etc. You would accept to control those devices through a different smart home hub.
Lutron Caséta Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch (PD-6WCL)
Find it here on Amazon
The Lutron Caséta PD-6WCL Smart Dimmer Switch is one of the few smart switches on the market that does not require a neutral wire. This is extremely helpful for people who live in older homes where the wiring generally didn't include a neutral. You can read more about this beneath.
This version of the switch has standard on and off buttons plus two dimmer buttons for raising and lowering the light levels. A serial of seven indicator lights forth the left side help you lot place the low-cal level setting. In that location is a rectangular tab nether the lower push button that is pulled out to disable the switch when changing light bulbs.
The switch is deeper than a normal rocker switch since it has to include the Clear Connect radio for communications and so it will be helpful to have a deeper electrical back box, but ours fit quite easily into our existing single-gang boxes. All standard Decorative or Rocker wall plates piece of work with the PD-6WCL.
The switch is uniform with LED, compact fluorescent, incandescent, and halogen bulbs. If you lot are using LED bulbs, be certain to use Lutron's LED compatibility tool to make certain you don't have issues with flickering. You lot can also void your warranty if you use an untested LED bulb.
The PD-6WCL switch can control upwardly to 17 regular 60W incandescent (or eight.5W LED) bulbs. If you use higher wattage bulbs (just up to 150W) and so you lot'll be limited to fewer bulbs.
The terminal ii digits of the model number indicate the color of the switch. PD-6WCL-WH is the white model, but information technology also comes in Ivory (Iv), Light Almond (LA), and Black (BL).
Lutron Caséta Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch for ELV+ (PD-5NE)
Discover here on Amazon
The Lutron Caséta PD-5NE dimmer switch requires a neutral wire, simply it also supports ELV and MLV calorie-free bulbs. Be sure yous accept a neutral wire before purchasing this model.
The PD-5NE also has on and off buttons, plus raise and lower dimmer buttons. However, this model also includes a round "favorite" button in the middle of the switch. Y'all tin can ready this push button for your favorite lighting level, which is user-friendly if you don't like to raise your lights to 100% when hitting the on push. The switch as well has the modest tab beneath the bottom button to disable the switch for maintenance.
As with the PD-6WCL, the PD-5NE includes a radio for communications so information technology is deeper than a normal switch. Withal, you lot shouldn't accept whatsoever issues unless your back box is very shallow. Again, standard Decorative or Rocker wall plates piece of work with this switch.
The switch works with LED, Electrical Low Voltage (ELV), Magnetic Low Voltage (MLV), incandescent, and halogen light bulbs. Be sure to check the LED compatibility tool before you lot make a purchase since this can bear upon the warranty and lite quality. Unfortunately, the PD-5NE does not work with compact fluorescent bulbs.
This switch can control upward to 29 standard 60W incandescent or viii.5W LED bulbs. Plain, you lot won't be able to command as many college wattage bulbs.
The low-cal switch is available in white, ivory, low-cal almond, and black.
Other Caséta Switch Options
Lutron Pro Line
Lutron makes a range of other lighting control products, including a pro line, but those are only available through dealers. Notwithstanding, there are another light switches that you may be interested in. All of the switches beneath also require the Lutron Smart Bridge for connecting to the app or voice assistants.
Pico Remote – dimming command
Beginning, is the Pico Remote, which tin can control whatever Caséta dimmer or switch in your house. Every bit nosotros'll mention later in this commodity, the Pico remote is also used to replace one switch in a three-manner setup. They also brand a version that specifically controls music on Sonos speakers. You tin can purchase the Pico Remote on Amazon.
Smart Lighting Switch – uncomplicated on/off model
If you lot don't need dimming adequacy and only want a simple on/off switch then bank check out the Smart Lighting Switch, model PD-6ANS. This works with all types of low-cal bulbs, only information technology requires a neutral wire. It tin also supplant a three-way switch without the need for the Pico. Wait for the PD-6ANS on Amazon.
Lutron plug-in lamp dimming module
Finally, Lutron makes a plug-in lamp dimming module. This is great if you don't take ceiling lights, but notwithstanding want all the features that come with the Caséta organization, including dimming, Smart Away mode, and automatic control based on your location. It can be paired with a wall-mounted Pico Remote so that it operates like a normal light switch.
The dimming module also serves equally a range extender for the Smart Bridge. The lamp dimmer is available on Amazon with model number PD-3PCL.
Features Comparison
Before we get to a more than detailed discussion of all of the features of the Caséta Wireless system, here is a comparison between the PD-6WCL and PD-5NE dimming switches.
 Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch |  Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch for ELV+ |
|---|---|
| Model Number PD-6WCL-XX | Model Number PD-5NE-XX |
| Neutral Wire Not Required | Neutral Wire Required |
| Three-Manner Only with Pico Remote | Three-Way Merely with Pico Remote |
| Compatible Bulbs LED, CFL, Incandescent, Halogen | Compatible Bulbs LED, ELV, MLV, Incandescent, Halogen |
| Bulbs Per Switch Up to 17 | Bulbs Per Switch Upwardly to 29 |
| Colors White | Colors White |
| Cost (Nov 2022) $55 to $72 | Toll (November 2022) $100 to $135 |
| Buy Caséta PD-6WCL at Amazon | Purchase Caséta PD-5NE at Amazon |
Neutral Wire Requirements
Before you select a smart light switch, you need to cheque if your current switch boxes include a neutral wire. The neutral wire provides continuous ability to the switch so it tin communicate to the bridge even when it is switched off. Many older homes don't have a neutral at calorie-free switches and this will limit your options. Learn more than about neutral wires in our article, Smart Switches – No Neutral Wire?
You will accept to use the PD-6WCL if you don't have a neutral. If you take neutral wires then you can use whatsoever of the Lutron smart switches.
Compatible Light Bulbs
Due to electrical load requirements, non every low-cal bulb volition work with a smart switch. Before you buy switches or bulbs, be sure to check the compatibility. This is peculiarly important for LEDs, which tend to exist very sensitive to electrical catamenia.
Check Lutron'due south LED Compatibility Tool before you purchase new bulbs. Using a bulb that is not compatible may void your switch warranty.
Works With – Compatible Hubs and Assistants
Lutron has made a significant effort to connect the Caséta arrangement to a lot of other home automation systems. The app connects to Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri vocalisation administration. Yous can control your lights using other smart home hubs like Samsung SmartThings and Flash. You lot can command your music through Sonos and add together music to a scene. Finally, you tin can link your Nest, Ecobee, or Honeywell thermostats to the Caséta app and make simple temperature adjustments.
Vacation Style
The Lutron App includes a vacation mode characteristic that they call Smart Away. One time you manually enable Smart Away, the Bridge will turn your lights on and off randomly to make information technology wait similar someone is home. The feature but operates between 6PM and 11PM so your lights aren't on all dark.
Geofencing
Caséta uses geofencing technology to perform automated commands based on the location of your phone. Yous can hands gear up the app to plough your lights on when you arrive home after sunset. This is neat for security so you never come habitation to a dark house.
You lot tin can also tell the app to send you a notification if the lights are on after y'all leave home. You can then decide to plow the lights off from the app (or get out them on since yous know someone else is home).
IFTTT – If This, Then That
Lutron maintains official support for IFTTT, a web service that helps connect unlike products and software. The triggers and deportment can help link Caséta to other services similar MyQ, iHome, or Cortana.
Installation
Installation of the Caséta Wireless Hub is straightforward. You simply connect it to your Wi-Fi router via the included cablevision and then plug information technology into the wall. From in that location, you can download the app and end customizing the system.
Installing the switches may be a DIY project if you are comfy working with your electrical system or if y'all have installed switches or outlets in the past. Instructions are included with each switch, simply they are too available at Lutron'due south website along with helpful videos.
CAUTION: light switches use line-voltage ability, which tin cause serious injury or property harm. Be certain to turn the power off at the breaker and verify it is off before removing the old switches. If you lot are not comfortable working with electricity and then delight rent a licensed electrician to install your devices. Safety first!
Three-Way Command Options
Neither the PD-6WCL nor the PD-5NE can be used as role of a traditional three-fashion switch setup. However, there is a workaround past removing ane of the erstwhile three-way switches from the excursion and then installing a Pico Remote over the old switch box. Then, you can install one of the Caséta Dimmer Switches at the other existing three-way switch. Lutron has an official YouTube video about how to attain this:
Y'all can use the basic In-Wall Switch (PD-6ANS) or the In-Wall PRO Dimmer Switch (PD-10NXD) forth with an existing standard toggle switch. Instructions for this kind of installation (or more advanced installations with more three switches) tin be institute in the Caséta Advanced Installation Guide.
Lutron Caséta & RA2 Select App
The app that controls the whole system is chosen the Lutron Caséta & RA2 Select App. You can download it from the iTunes App Store or the Google Play Store.
In one case you download the app, you lot will demand to sign upward for an account and and then follow the instructions for adding your Bridge. And then you lot tin add individual devices from the Settings bill of fare by following step-past-step instructions.
The primary app screen shows an overview of how many lights are on in your home. If you lot have a connected thermostat, it shows the inside temperature. Below that, you will see 3 menu items.
The Devices tab has an icon for each calorie-free or shade. A bluish icon indicates the calorie-free is on. Tapping the light initiates a pop-up so yous can control the light or edit the device.
Under the Scenes tab, you will see a list of scenes you take created. A scene is a predetermined light and shade level that yous ready upwardly to happen when triggered in the app. Tap + Add Scene and the app will walk you through creating a new scene, which tin can include any number of connected devices. You will notice one pre-set up scene chosen Smart Away, which allows you lot to enable holiday mode.
Finally, the Schedules tab is the place to fix schedules based on day, time, or sunrise/sunset. Y'all tin can edit or disable existing schedules by tapping on the Edit (Pencil) icon.
The last major carte du jour is the Settings menu, which is the gear symbol in the upper left of the primary screen. This is where you ready geofencing controls, connect to other hubs, and customize the app theme.
Unfortunately, the Smart Bridge just supports 1 account per house, but you lot can have up to 10 phones continued to the system at a time. That way, each family unit member tin control the lights.
Security And Privacy
As with most habitation automation products, Lutron'southward app runs in the deject and they keep information nigh you in club to provide their remote control services. You lot can read their full privacy policy on the Lutron website.
All data transferred over the net is fully encrypted and Lutron continuously monitors for security threats. We are not aware of whatsoever data breaches with Lutron or its apps. However, you lot should continue to maintain a secure habitation Wi-Fi network to ensure your data remains rubber.
About The Manufacturer
Lutron was incorporated in 1961 when Joel Spira introduced the first residential rotary dimmer. The dimmer saved people coin on their energy bills while besides decision-making the ambiance in their homes. Lutron too invented the start dimming ballast for fluorescent lights and created the first pre-set lighting control system.
The company has been operating in the commercial and residential markets for close to 5 decades and their products accept stood the examination of time. They sell products for unmarried-family residences all the manner up to total-edifice lighting command for skyscrapers. Lutron at present sells over 15,000 products effectually the world.
Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. is a privately held visitor headquartered in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania.
Summary
The Lutron Caseta Smart Low-cal System is a expert option for standard smart dwelling house requirements. Luton Electronics is a reliable, American owned brand, and their products are best sellers on Amazon.
The fundamental component to this organisation is the Wireless Smart Bridge and there are a number of switch options depending on whether you want an on/off switch or a dimmer switch.
Source: https://theiotpad.com/light-switch/lutron-caseta-smart-switch-reviews
Posted by: paigewilier88.blogspot.com
0 Response to "How Much Power Does A Caseta Dimmer Draw"
Post a Comment