Lighting configuration to have many switches or one switch for all lights

Koth · Oct 3, 2018

Hi all

Per title. I'd like to have 6 lighting zones in my living room and do not know if it is possible to configure the functionality that I want via the switches. Essentially I am trying to cut down on the number of switches required.

I'd like 4 zones to have independent dimmers. These will be two pairs of dimmers. Additionaly, I'd like to be able to turn on each pair of dimmers and a third zone via a third dimmer that controls all three zones without having to switch them all on via three independant dimmer switches. This would also apply for the other pair plus it's third zone.

Apologies, I can see that this may not be very clear, I may return with a diagram later to help clarify.

Can anybody suggest a suitable method of doing this? I am trying to avoid using a huge grid switch if possible.

Thank you

telectrix · Oct 3, 2018

I'd look at some sort of smart system whereby each set has a wi-fi receiver and a remote control, so each zone would be on different remote switches. could be an app on your phone that will do that.
somethig along these lines:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07D287P6R/ref=psdc_1938304031_t2_B077N5NS9H

Deleted member 26818 · Oct 3, 2018

I think most of the home automation systems allow you to group various lights together and control them.
The Criwi system, each box has up to 4 groups but will also allow you to control all on that box.
The hive can have up to 6 groups, you can customise a group button to turn on all and another to turn off all, but that reduces the number of groups you can have.
Not sure if extra controllers can be added?

Midwest · Oct 3, 2018

Phillips Hue, as long as you can afford it the price of the lamps.

Octopus · Oct 3, 2018

Find a specialist local to you and get them to see what they advise and quote you .................

Koth · Oct 3, 2018

Thanks all for the above replies

I was hoping for suggestions that utilised traditional switches (though I realised that this is maybe not achievable).

Nevertheless I am off to research the above suggestions.

Koth · Oct 3, 2018

Not liking the price of Phillips Hue and not sure how suitable the other stuff is. I am installing 9 downlights in each half of the room. One dimmer switch would be controlling 3 of the 9. (I want to avoid having to turn 6 dimmer switches on if I want all the lights to cone on together). Is there a smart solution (or dumb solution for that matter) that negates the need to buy fancy bulbs and just controls all of the standard bulbs?

SparkyChick · Oct 3, 2018

A diagram showing the layout and how you would like to switch them would help I think.

Koth · Oct 3, 2018

Ok. I don't have the means at the minute but will come back and upload a diagram soon.

Thank you.

Chris Hanson · Oct 4, 2018

Check out the wisedim scene kit from www.wisecontrols.com

Adam W · Oct 4, 2018

You could either switch the lighting in different parts of the room or you could switch different 'effects', eg downlighters, focal point lighting, ambient lighting etc.

Koth · Oct 10, 2018

SparkyChick said:
A diagram showing the layout and how you would like to switch them would help I think.

It's a little crude but I have done a diagram. (Diagram is attached here).

Each set of three lights is in a different colour. The dimmer switches are numbered at the bottom of the image 1 to 6. Also, dimmer switch 7 is in the image, I'd like a configuration that will allow me to use switches 1 to 6 in isolation OR use switch 7 to switch all the lights on/off in one hit. Is this possible?

Thank you.

P.S. I think a smart system is probably out of the question due to cost.

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