Are Quinetic still regarded as the best kinetic switches?

[LastManOnline]

Hi Folks.Have always appreciated kinetic switches for their "get out of jail"value in problematic situations.They are a gift .However my preferred approach is to always use traditional hardwiring where possible.I am now for the first time obliged to carry out a rewire where all light switching will be wireless.
I want to know what are currently regarded as the best brands?
The 3 that have caught my eye are ..
1) Quinetuc
2) Ener-j
3)Candeo.

These 3 also do a grid switch which blends in nicely with tradional wall switches

 

[Selwonk]

I've only used quinetic out of those three but never had any problems and they're stocked at local TLC wholesalers so unlikely to change

 

[Rockingit]

No idea on the others but all I can say is that I've got one working as a manual PIR override to a floodlight in the yard, mounted in my kitchen maybe 100m away and it's worked seamlessly for four years and not skipped a beat.

 

[SparkySy]

Yes Quinetic every time for me! Their range and flexibility is superb as is the amount of products they now do. The grid switches are spot on, love the wi-fi control although the app could be better!

I did a huge kitchen, dining, sitting room and snug a couple of weeks ago, all lighting including the external ones I did with Quinetic, all dimmable wi-fi & switch controlled.
The setting it all up took a bit of work but I managed to get 9 controllers in an adaptable box above the kitchen.
When it was all up and running it was worth the effort!

The Ener-j kit is ok, but not as big array of products, and just not quite as quality.

Not fitted the Candeo so can't comment.

 

[bigspark17]

Yes Quinetic every time for me! Their range and flexibility is superb as is the amount of products they now do. The grid switches are spot on, love the wi-fi control although the app could be better!

I did a huge kitchen, dining, sitting room and snug a couple of weeks ago, all lighting including the external ones I did with Quinetic, all dimmable wi-fi & switch controlled.
The setting it all up took a bit of work but I managed to get 9 controllers in an adaptable box above the kitchen.
When it was all up and running it was worth the effort!

The Ener-j kit is ok, but not as big array of products, and just not quite as quality.

Not fitted the Candeo so can't comment.

Hi. It does
Make me wonder if you were doing al this work why would you not use traditional switching? Do they need to be able to dim there kitchen lights on the app while sitting in the kitchen? Strange application.
I hope that adaptable box was easily accessible

 

[LastManOnline]

" Hi. It does
Make me wonder if you were doing al this work why would you not use traditional switching? ".

Wonder no more.As I mentioned in my original post ,I have not been very keen on deviating from "traditional hardwiring" ,but after just 4 days in to a rewire (5 bedroom), I am astounded at the enormous savings on labour as a result of going wireless ,plus the reduction in moving furniture , lifting floorboards etc and not having the incovenience of chasing and replastering etc.Homeowner loves it.
As always ,thanks for all the feedback guys.It was in line with my own feelings.While Ener-j would be a more practical option for me (available locally) ,the weight of popular opinion for Quinetic, edges the debate for me.

 

[Jock from the north]

There ideal for soffit lighting .I can't remember what brand I used but it came with a little key switch.it switched the lights on 250 yards down the street ,maybe a slight exaggeration but it was a fair distance.was cheap junk from amazon so relay will prob pack in soon

 

[SparkySy]

Hi. It does
Make me wonder if you were doing al this work why would you not use traditional switching? Do they need to be able to dim there kitchen lights on the app while sitting in the kitchen? Strange application.
I hope that adaptable box was easily accessible

Oh yes very accessible, I like to be able to work in comfort when I install and set these things up.

People love tech, they will decide to watch a film, they can put on the spotlights and dim them, put on the led tape around the room and dim that, and not have to get up from their comfy sofa.

I have fitted so much Quinetic gear over the years and always had the perfect result, a very appreciative customer!
They do save so much time and cable, also replastering, redecorating too.

In comparison to what cost in time and materials to wire it conventionally they still work out cheaper on most larger jobs.
Not always on new build or small jobs/extensions, as it's less time consuming running in cable to a bare shell.

 

[Acca dacca]

Hi Folks.Have always appreciated kinetic switches for their "get out of jail"value in problematic situations.They are a gift .However my preferred approach is to always use traditional hardwiring where possible.I am now for the first time obliged to carry out a rewire where all light switching will be wireless.
I want to know what are currently regarded as the best brands?
The 3 that have caught my eye are ..
1) Quinetuc
2) Ener-j
3)Candeo.

These 3 also do a grid switch which blends in nicely with tradional wall switches

Lutron do some pretty good stuff (if a little on the pricey side) but if budget is not a problem these are the biz, as part of the relay/switching system they do a commercial range for switching larger loads, we use them extensively at the school I’m currently renovating and they are just the dogs nuts

 

[l4urence]

The real advantage of Quinetic is the wide range of products, they can compliment fixed wiring. I’ve used them for outside light, paired with addition key fobs on the car key ring. Owner comes home and can switch on the outside lights from their car.

 

[pirate]

Definitely Quinetic for me too.
I got challenged when I first joined this forum as it seemed i was peddling snake oil, especially as I am not an electrician! I installed a huge number of Quinetic switches for lighting even before I joined here. I had one issue, with dimming modules, which TLC sorted out for me immediately...not all lighting likes Quinetic dimming modules, but then that's a common problem with all dimmers. Factor in the higher cost of Quinetc gear against the chasing, hardwiring and switch drops, the plastering and decoration...it's a no brainer! Especially on 3-storey stair lights with intermediate switching, lath and plaster etc then there's no question which system to use. I've not used other brands of the same concept, but I can say I have never had a failure/call back for a faulty switch/receiver, so I say reliability is very good.

 

[Jock from the north]

Definitely Quinetic for me too.
I got challenged when I first joined this forum as it seemed i was peddling snake oil, especially as I am not an electrician! I installed a huge number of Quinetic switches for lighting even before I joined here. I had one issue, with dimming modules, which TLC sorted out for me immediately...not all lighting likes Quinetic dimming modules, but then that's a common problem with all dimmers. Factor in the higher cost of Quinetc gear against the chasing, hardwiring and switch drops, the plastering and decoration...it's a no brainer! Especially on 3-storey stair lights with intermediate switching, lath and plaster etc then there's no question which system to use. I've not used other brands of the same concept, but I can say I have never had a failure/call back for a faulty switch/receiver, so I say reliability is very good.

I'm not sure what they look like only problem is the ones ive used in past are vastly different in shape ,style ,colour.not great for matching in with customers chrome or even white switches.i know you get all sorts of extra key fobs so no need to screw switch to wall but most people tend to like a normal switch .but for certain uses like outside lights there perfect .hide the switch in a cupboard .then there's the issue of the reciever ,alright in loft but where do you normaly place it in lounge.these things are not really wireless its just an advertising scheme to make you believe that you plug and play where there is electrical knowledge needed to connect the relay and where to place it .I don't use them unless I can place reciever in loft in a plastic jb with ariel poking out the side .where would you usually place them in say a lounge

 

[pirate]

From one Jock to another...
Yes, switch colours/finishes are not as wide, but then I'm not a fan of fancy finishes. As for placement of receivers, well I have found that in the loft is usually fine, so out of sight is ok in the average home or small industrial unit.Grouping receivers together in an adaptable box is often ok too. Try this Nick Bundy video, starting about 9 minutes in.

Google Search

 

[LastManOnline]

Lutron do some pretty good stuff (if a little on the pricey side) but if budget is not a problem these are the biz, as part of the relay/switching system they do a commercial range for switching larger loads, we use them extensively at the school I’m currently renovating and they are just the dogs nuts

I did look at them at one point.I don,t believe though that they do any grid switches that would harminize with a traditional switch ?? .At least none showed when I viewed their website.
In any case I find it very reassuring that so many posters on here have found the established brands to be so reliable.

 

[Avo Mk8]

I did look at them at one point.I don,t believe though that they do any grid switches that would harminize with a traditional switch ?? .At least none showed when I viewed their website.
In any case I find it very reassuring that so many posters on here have found the established brands to be so reliable.

Quinetic do six grid switches in rocker form, including for BG Nexus, MLA Knightsbridge, Hager Grid, Varilight Powergrid, Click Mode Minigrid and MK Logic Grid. They're all just micro generators, not 240V switches with a transmitter.

The rockers do match grid switches as long as they are white! .

The Quinetic Click Minigrid rocker in a Click Mode plain white light switch plate looks much more like traditional style switches

 

[SparkySy]

The Quinetic Click Minigrid rocker in a Click Mode plain white light switch plate looks much more like traditional style switches

You can change the covers on these to match the insert of a standard switch.
I had to swap some for satin chrome the other week and you couldn't tell the difference!

 

[Risteard]

Wonder no more.As I mentioned in my original post ,I have not been very keen on deviating from "traditional hardwiring" ,but after just 4 days in to a rewire (5 bedroom), I am astounded at the enormous savings on labour as a result of going wireless ,plus the reduction in moving furniture , lifting floorboards etc and not having the incovenience of chasing and replastering etc.Homeowner loves it.
As always ,thanks for all the feedback guys.It was in line with my own feelings.While Ener-j would be a more practical option for me (available locally) ,the weight of popular opinion for Quinetic, edges the debate for me.

The problem with Quinetic is it's only available from TLC which includes high delivery charges to Ireland. Ener-J, on the other hand, is off the shelf at my CEF branches on both sides of the border.

 

[johnnybaloney]

Has anyone here tried the Ener-j receivers? I've just ordered a couple from Enerjsmart to see how kinetic switches worked and was very happy initially, there was something magical about the experience. I liked the look of the switch too although I didn't like that it double-clicked every time I switched the light on or off. I could live with that though.

But then I noticed this whining noise coming from the light. At first I though it was the bulb but no, it's the receiver. Even after removing the bulb it makes that noise. Now, that's a showstopper for me on the same level as buzzing LED lights are. The specific receiver I have is model C3101R.

The bundle, a 2-gang switch plus two receivers was £34.00 + £6.49 delivery. Enerjsmart also charge a "small" handling fee of £7.99 for returns which sucks. I believe Enerj (Smart) don't develop or make these devices, it's some generic kinetic electronics from China and Enerj just imports this stuff, markets it and charges £7.99 for returns. Their 'About Us' page is full up to brim with marketing -------s.

I would be interested if anyone could check their Ener-j receiver and report if it also whines. I would also be interested to hear if Quinetic receivers exhibit the same behaviour. That would be shocking as the equivalent Qunetic bundle costs £78.54 delivered from TLC so at this price they should sing and dance but only when asked and when not asked be dead silent.

 

[freddo]

Has anyone here tried the Ener-j receivers?

We have a pile of faulty ones at our stores so reliability doesn't seem too good! I don't recall the few I've fitted making any noise though.

 

[richy3333]

I've used both Quinetic and Ener-j. Not had any issues with either products. Have had a Quinetic light switch/receiver working fine in the house for 3.5years

 

[johnnybaloney]

We have a pile of faulty ones at our stores so reliability doesn't seem too good! I don't recall the few I've fitted making any noise though.

Thanks. Given that Quinetic is 'only' twice as expensive perhaps it's worth the investment, after all buy cheap buy twice... I'll still try the other Ener-j receiver though and see if it whines too. Will report back.

 

[johnnybaloney]

So I bought Quinetic QUR303 receiver and just tested it with the same ceiling light and was relieved to experience that it was dead silent, yay! Also, the switch makes a softer sound when you press it which is great and it requires slightly less force to press it too I feel. It still double-clicks on every press but it's less offensive sound than the Enerj one makes. The switch seems better sealed, there is a smaller gap between the case and the buttons and no gap at the top of the switch so less space for dust to gather, which might help with its longevity. Finally, the receiver comes with push-in connectors which is nice.

But yeah, it's all bonus points, the crucial point is that it doesn't whine. I'm going to use Enerj in the kitchen stashed away somewhere so hopefully that blocks the noise it makes.

I'm yet to test the other Enerj receiver I have to see if the one I tried was maybe a dud.

 

[johnnybaloney]

Ok, just tried the other Enerj receiver while I was at it. It whined again. It actually made some noise while off too! So no, not a bad batch, just an inferior product.

 

[Risteard]

Ok, just tried the other Enerj receiver while I was at it. It whined again. It actually made some noise while off too! So no, not a bad batch, just an inferior product.

They could be from the same batch, surely?

 

[johnnybaloney]

They could be from the same batch, surely?

Right, it could be a bad batch, I meant to say a unit instead. But even if it was a bad batch the lack of quality control doesn't instil confidence. Neither does lack of any response from Enerj (Smart) when I contacted them about it. Or rather they contacted me to "Share Your Experience with Ener-j and Get a Chance to Win Big! ", and once I described the issue... crickets.

 

[mickegh]

Right, it could be a bad batch, I meant to say a unit instead. But even if it was a bad batch the lack of quality control doesn't instil confidence. Neither does lack of any response from Enerj (Smart) when I contacted them about it. Or rather they contacted me to "Share Your Experience with Ener-j and Get a Chance to Win Big! ", and once I described the issue... crickets.

Is there actually any system in place that determines if products are reliable

I don't think there is

 

[johnnybaloney]

Is there actually any system in place that determines if products are reliable

I don't think there is

Try this for starters: Quality assurance - Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quality_assurance

 

[Avo Mk8]

And for the main course, some standards related to reliability:

IEC/ISO 31010. Risk management. Risk assessment techniques.
IEC 60050-191. International electrotechnical vocabulary. Part 191: Dependability and quality of service.
IEC 60050-192. International electrotechnical vocabulary. Part 192: Dependability.
IEC 60300-1. Dependability management. Part 1: Guidance for management and application.
IEC 60300-3-1. Dependability management. Part 3-1: Application guide: Analysis techniques for dependability — Guide on methodology.
.......... And the following 13 more parts
IEC 60319. Presentation and specification of reliability data for electronic components.
IEC 60605-2. Equipment reliability testing. Part 2: Design test cycles.
IEC 60605-4. Equipment reliability testing. Part 4: Statistical procedures for exponential distribution: Point estimates, confidence interval, prediction intervals, and tolerance intervals.
IEC 60605-6. Equipment reliability testing. Part 6: Tests for the validity and estimation of the constant failure rate and constant failure intensity.
IEC 60706-2. Maintainability of equipment. Part 2: Maintainability requirements and studies during the design and development phase.
IEC 60706-3. Maintainability of equipment. Part 3: Verification and collection, analysis, and presentation of data.
IEC 60706-5. Maintainability of equipment. Part 5: Testability and diagnostic testing.
IEC 60812. Analysis techniques for system reliability. Procedure for failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA).
IEC 61014. Programmes for reliability growth.
IEC 61025. Fault tree analysis (FTA).
IEC 61070. Compliance test procedures for steady-state availability.
IEC 61078. Analysis techniques for dependability. Reliability block diagram and Boolean methods.
IEC 61123. Reliability testing. Compliance test plans for success ratio.
IEC 61124. Reliability testing. Compliance tests for constant failure rate and constant failure intensity.
IEC 61160. Design review.
IEC 61163-1. Reliability stress screening. Part 1: Repairable assemblies manufactured in lots.
IEC 61163-2. Reliability stress screening. Part 2: Electronic components.
IEC 61164. Reliability growth — Statistical test and estimation methods.
IEC 61165. Application of Markov techniques.
IEC 61649. Weibull analysis.
IEC 61650. Reliability data analysis techniques: Procedures for comparison of two constant failure rates and two constant failure (event) intensities.
IEC 61703. Mathematical expressions for reliability, availability, maintainability, and maintenance support terms.
IEC 61709. Electric components: Reliability. Reference conditions for failure rates and stress models for conversion.
IEC 61882. Hazard and operability studies (HAZOP studies): Application guide.
IEC 62198. Managing risk in projects: Application guidelines.
ISO 61713. Software dependability through the software life-cycle processes: Application guide.