Top reviews from the United States

• 

  simon

  5 out of 5 stars

  Very happy but do your planning

  Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2017

  Verified Purchase

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  I've been slowly getting in to zwave first with a simon.xt and now a qolsys.2 both with alarm.com

  Originally i started using the GE zwave+ light switches, these worked great in our clubhouse but were no good for the main house as none of our light switches have neutral wires... I was already using some other Aeotec / Aeon Labs zwave items so have been waiting for the new nano switches and dimmers.

  Btw aeon technical support is excellent friendly helpful brilliant.

  First, be a little careful, only the nano dimmer can be used for cases with no neutral - the nano switch DOES need a neutral. Thats a shame as for my purpose i don't need dimming capability. Anyway i was very happy to see the nano switch and dimmer come to amazon just recently and immediately ordered two nano dimmers. my top priority it to smart enable lighting on our front and back porch.

  The nano dimmer is actually smaller than i expected and i was therefore expecting no problems installing it. HOWEVER i did actually have an issue... maybe its just that the first installation is in to a very old box... the box had enough space for the mechanics of the light switch plus the nano dimmer HOWEVER no the wire twist/connects as well. fortunately i was able to carefully push these to one side as this was a double light switch box so i could push them off behind the other switch.

  This first install for the font porch is a simple one, as its a single switch. However as noted before there was no neutral wire. Anyway most of the install has gone very well. My qolsys.2 seems to be quite happy operating the lights. I did have two small issues. Initially the physical switch doesn't seem to be working - i managed to fix that by using the manual setup (sending the right config parameter to the device). not totally sure why it didn't auto detect. turning light on is fast, off a little slower. the second issue was that the lights in question have dawn-to-dusk sensor. this caused me some problem getting things up and running. now in the dark its all working perfectly. I did end up un pairing and re pairing in the dark which fixed my issue with the qolsys registering to alarm.com. i am trying to decide whether to disable the dawn-to-dusk by bypassing the sensor in the light fitting. When it's dark everything's g works good when not dark there isn't enough power for the nano dimmer but it comes online as soon as it's dusk. its also possible that this looks power also ease up the auto config of the switch. The nano dimmer automatically figures out what type of switch it has (it can be programmed as manually) and maybe due to low power in the day this didn't work and i had to manually program it. interestingly the nano dimmer does have the power monitor - i thought only the nano switch had this. also interestingly the application notes say that it may not work too well unless there is at least 20w load - and they are bringing out a load device you can add - however I'm using only 2 led bulbs and I'm pretty sure they don't make 20w the nano dimmer itself is reporting that they are only drawing 4 to 5w however seems to be working nicely.

  Now i will move forwards and install the second nano dimmer which will be going in to a dual switch scenario as our back porch connects to family and master bed rooms and so has two switches on the light circuit... that one will be more interesting as i am not yet clear how to wire mostly because i don't know how the internal wiring is in the wall !!!

  one other small nit, because the nano dimmer is small the box is small and therefore they made the manual very small. at 52 i struggle to read the super fine print. quite funny really ;-)

  all in all though as with other aeotec devices (excluding their power strip) i am VERY happy.

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• 

  Busy Executive

  4 out of 5 stars

  Works, but watch the current limit

  Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2019

  Verified Purchase

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  I do a lot of things with home automation, and I recently installed a few of these Aeotec Nano Dimmers. They're fairly small and high quality products that work as advertised and can be used inside lights and wall switches to give you remote control and dimming capabilities.

  Only negative is the limited capacity of these things - 140 watts, or 1.2 amps. While I'm happy to use them with LED fixtures where there's not much chance of anything else being installed, I'm a little apprehensive to use them for things like controlling generic recessed lighting "cans". I might be okay with a string of 8-watt LED flood lamps, but the next homeowner might not know that one of these is installed behind the wall switch. If he replaces my six 8-watt floods with six conventional incandescent bulbs, he will definitely overload the Nano.

  Because of this, I'm careful to install the Nano's only where I'm sure there won't be a way to swap bulbs and put the device over its limits.

  Other than this limitation, the device definitely works well. I have no trouble managing it with either Homeseer or my Vera automation controllers, and it seems to deliver exactly what's needed. A device this size and form factor that could handle 1200W or so would be ideal for me...but if your needs can be met with 140 watts, this is a great device.

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• 

  Benjamin O.

  5 out of 5 stars

  Great way to add smart capabilities to existing switches

  Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2018

  Verified Purchase

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  I’ll start by saying I’m very particular about my switches matching. I decided to try this as I’m gradually upgrading my house with more and more smart home capabilities.

  I currently have three of these installed and will upgrade more as time allows. Two are using with neutral and one is without neutral. I plan to install on a three way switch next, so if anyone has any advice I’d appreciate it. Be sure to check your wattage as the Nano Dimmer only has a 140 watt capacity. I ended up switching to LEDs since my four 65w BR30 incandescents were well above that limit. The Phillips Soft White Warm Glow are identical so the switch was easy.

  My first installation was a little difficult, but I didn’t prepare that well, which is my fault. I have since been able to install the other two in minutes. Here are a few tricks to help you:

  1. Prepare the switch and Nano Dimmer. Since you have to take the switch off to identify the live and load and hook up, I found it way easier to prepare the Nano Dimmer and switch at a table or counter before dealing with the wires in the box. I am using toggle switches so I place the Nano Dimmer on the back of the switch with the button and RGB light facing toward the switch, and wire for the switch while keeping it nice and neat by bending the wires as needed and using only what is needed to connect the two. Once the switch and Nano Dimmer look more like a single unit, I then hooked up to wires in the box.

  2. Really tighten down your connections on Nano Dimmer. I had a smaller flathead screwdriver that fit the screws perfectly. There were a couple times when the wire popped out, but after I really tightened it, there were no issues. I didn’t have a problem using the 12 huge wire direct from the box for the two wire install, but used 14 gauge (what I had on hand) when pigtailing and also hooking up the Nano Dimmer to the switch. It was a lot more manageable.

  3. Prepare the box wiring. As others have stated there isn’t that much excess room in the box. The Nano Dimmer is small, but save the headaches and get the wiring in the box prepared before installing. I had five sets of wires coming into a 2 gang box I was installing two Nano Dimmers in. I took the time to pigtail what I needed off leaving myself a good length of wire coming off to wire the Nano Dimmer and trim off what was not needed. This allowed me to arrange the wire sets in the box giving me maximum space in the box and not just jamming everything in.

  4. Either setup your Nano Dimmer with your hub (and do your configurations) before screwing the switch onto the box, or be able to push the button and see the RGB light on the Nano Dimmer when screwed into the box. Once the switch is screwed on, there is not much room in the box.

  5. All three times the Nano Dimmer didn’t recognize the switch when first flipping the switch, so I had to force it into external switch mode by pressing the button four times within two seconds and flipping the switch. After waiting the 10 seconds, it worked the first time.

  I am using the Nano Dimmers with a Wink Hub 2 (and Amazon Echo with the Wink skill) and a Remotec ZRC-100 to configure the Zwave configurations. To pair to Wink just go into the Wink app, then into your hub settings, then Zwave, then put your hub into inclusion mode. Once in inclusion mode, just press the button on the Nano Dimmer and Wink will add it to your Lights + Power as Light Bulb. I had to do this for each Nano Dimmer. I have Robots and Shortcuts set which is also discovered by my Amazon Echo in the Alexa app.

  For changing the configurations on the Nano Dimmer with the Remotec, unfortunately each time I added a Nano Dimmer, I had to Scan Devices on the Remotec which cleared my names I created. You can find the instructions on how to get to these options in a pdf to the Remotec if you just search for Remotec ZRC-100. In some cases, I had to put my Wink in exclusion mode to remove the a Remotec and re-add it and Scan Devices for it to show everything on the Remotec. Changing the configurations was easy in the Advanced Setup menu on the Remotec. Just go through the steps on the remote for Parameter then Value, then when it displays “Press PROG on device” just push the button on the Nano Dimmer and the parameter value is almost immediately accepted. Once you get the Nano Dimmer the way you want, finishing your installation.

  I do wish the Nano Dimmer had the option for both instant on/off while still be able to dim. The lights gradually dim on and gradually dim off. I set the dim rate to 1 second which is the fastest. This is my only drawback.

  I spent a little time getting the lowest and highest brightness configuration out of my Phillips Soft White Warm Glow LED bulbs which are identical to incandescents even when dimmed. It took a few times to get the lowest setting without flickering, but they dim really low now (as low as my incandescents on a sliding dimmer switch). I have found a value of between 9 and 13 was optimal depending on each switch. It was easier to get these values in the Alexa app since Wink doesn’t display brightness percentages on their slider as the Alexa app does.

  Support is great as I had a few questions and they promptly responded via email. Keep in mind their support hours are M-F and only during certain hours, so you won’t get a response during non-Support hours. The documentation and videos on their website are pretty good, but the diagrams could be a little more helpful.

  I highly recommend this product.

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• 

  Andrew

  5 out of 5 stars

  Great way to add a dimmer to lights without a switch

  Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2017

  Verified Purchase

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  I've been in the process of converting my home's light switches over to zwave products, but it's an old house and there's some accent lights that aren't tied to any switch.

  So I bought this module to see if I could use it without a switch, and instead rely on my zwave controller to act as the switch.

  For install I removed the light, wired the module using the "2 wire diagram" (again, old house) and then wired the light to the module. Paired the module with my controller, tested it out, and reinstalled the fixture.

  Works perfectly! Now I can finally turn off (and dim!) my switchless lights!

  I used the "secure pairing" functionality, I'm not exactly sure what features that unlocks, but the dimmers report back a whole lot of data I wasn't expecting:

  Dim Level

  Power (watts)

  Meter (kWh)

  Volts

  Amps

  Temperature

  The modules are fast to respond, and so far I haven't had any problems with them not updating their status in my controller.

  I'll be looking to pick these up for other uses now.

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• 

  Mahera

  1 out of 5 stars

  not working for 80 watts ceiling fan

  Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2017

  Verified Purchase

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  Second update.

  I decided to buy this "dimmer" for my fan.

  GE Z-Wave Wireless Smart Fan Speed Control, 3-Speed, In-Wall, Includes White & Light Almond Paddles, Works with Amazon Alexa, 127

  This device works beautifully. I can control the speed of the fan motor without any noice coming from the fan.

  Just like it should be.

  I am not sure anymore if the aeotec nanodimmer ist not just defective or just can't control a fan motor as they advertise.

  Anyway, the GE is the way to go and even cheaper.

  Update---

  I was asked to remove the neutral wire even when the manual states you need a neutral if it is used for a fan motor.

  I gave it a shot but no go.

  Didn't make a difference.

  Perhaps that's something you can try should you have a nano dimmer with a fan motor issue.

  For me a no go.

  First review

  IDid buy it to control a 80 watt ceiling fan.

  The switch is advertised as to beable to control a fan up to 100 watts.

  My fan is a regular harbor breeze fan that works silently with a three speed remote control unit.

  With this "expensive" dimmer however my fan turns Into what seem to be airplane turbine.

  The noice the fan makes when controlled with this dimmer is unbelievable loud !!!

  It hurts to hear the motor makes this sound.

  I am sure it would damage the fan motor or dimmer over time.

  I did however, try to get aeontec to provide some kind of help but they failed.

  I received no other mail (repeatedly) as "we are lookIng into it , can you take a video" ".

  That is going on for a week now.

  I do have most of my zwave stuff from aeontec and they just work and never had to ask for help. So I am not sure if this is typically for aeontec or not.

  I am for sure will return this item to them and get my money back.

  If you want this dimmer for a fan control than I would hold of till aeontec gets their act together and can provide some kind of support.

  I need to add that i am an electrical engineer by trade and i am confident that i hooked the three wires up correctly. Lol.

  Also, I did buy this directly from the seller aeontec and I believe that it is straight from the manufacturer.

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• 

  David C.

  3 out of 5 stars

  So far, not working with a 30watt load or reporting usage to Vera

  Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2017

  Verified Purchase

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  I have been waiting for this device to hit the market for months. Lutron has been the only option for those with neutral-less wiring setups in old houses.

  When I turned on the power, the five led candelabra bulbs light up to fill brightness (not smoothly, lots of flicker, but I am going to blame the bulbs for now) and then decrease to about 25% brightness. And then they are stuck. These 60 watt equivalent bulbs worked great in another situation (with a neutral) with an aeotech micro dimmer. It might be the case that they need a bypass, but I thought with five 6watt led bulbs it would work! (6x5 = 30watt). The product documentation states a bypass shouldn't be needed in a two wire installation if the load is over 20w. The candelabra bulbs have good reviews on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017R78NRA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

  Edit: I put in a 40watt candelabra bulb and the device is working. I am now running 4 6w bulbs and one 40watt bulb. My zwave dimmer switches from 2010 could also handle this. They had a 40watt minimum with two wire installation. As of today the bypass is not commercially available, so this will have to do.

  The nano was not listed in my vera plus UI7. Other aeotec z-wave devices I have purchased have all been listed. I have used a micro dimmer, as well as two appliance modules.

  I was able to pair the nano as a general dimmable light. Selecting on/off in the app does change the green light from on to off on the nano dimmer, so I can tell it is paired. Once I added an incandescent bulb to increase the load I can control the fixture using Vera. I would like to have usage data in Vera like I do with their other metered z-wave products.

  The light switch didn't work initially. After reading another review, I hit the action button four times in two minutes and then flipped the switch. After that, I waited 10 seconds to try it out, and it worked!

  I will revise this review if I can work with Aeotec to get the nano working better with Vera or working without an incandescent load.

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  David C.

  3 out of 5 stars

  So far, not working with a 30watt load or reporting usage to Vera

  Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2017

  Verified Purchase

  I have been waiting for this device to hit the market for months. Lutron has been the only option for those with neutral-less wiring setups in old houses.

  When I turned on the power, the five led candelabra bulbs light up to fill brightness (not smoothly, lots of flicker, but I am going to blame the bulbs for now) and then decrease to about 25% brightness. And then they are stuck. These 60 watt equivalent bulbs worked great in another situation (with a neutral) with an aeotech micro dimmer. It might be the case that they need a bypass, but I thought with five 6watt led bulbs it would work! (6x5 = 30watt). The product documentation states a bypass shouldn't be needed in a two wire installation if the load is over 20w. The candelabra bulbs have good reviews on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017R78NRA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

  Edit: I put in a 40watt candelabra bulb and the device is working. I am now running 4 6w bulbs and one 40watt bulb. My zwave dimmer switches from 2010 could also handle this. They had a 40watt minimum with two wire installation. As of today the bypass is not commercially available, so this will have to do.

  The nano was not listed in my vera plus UI7. Other aeotec z-wave devices I have purchased have all been listed. I have used a micro dimmer, as well as two appliance modules.

  I was able to pair the nano as a general dimmable light. Selecting on/off in the app does change the green light from on to off on the nano dimmer, so I can tell it is paired. Once I added an incandescent bulb to increase the load I can control the fixture using Vera. I would like to have usage data in Vera like I do with their other metered z-wave products.

  The light switch didn't work initially. After reading another review, I hit the action button four times in two minutes and then flipped the switch. After that, I waited 10 seconds to try it out, and it worked!

  I will revise this review if I can work with Aeotec to get the nano working better with Vera or working without an incandescent load.

  • 
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• 

  Woody Climber

  5 out of 5 stars

  they're really good and they do a function which I couldn't get ...

  Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2018

  Verified Purchase

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  These things are absolutely tip-top, there's nothing I can say about them that's negative other than I wish they were cheaper. Shrug, they're really good and they do a function which I couldn't get elsewhere so I guess I shouldn't complain.

  I have them embedded behind some sconces that are otherwise hardwired into the household power, I just tapped off of some unswitched outlets. They operate smoothly and flawlessly, and they always get the command to turn on or off.

  Maybe you've never heard of Aeotec, but know that amongst the home automation nerds that they're very well regarded as producing quality. Whenever anybody in the versus forums ask for a recommendation for a USB Z-Wave controller to plug into a Raspberry Pi or home automation computer it's just a wall of people piling on saying how great the Aeotec controller is, and frankly in my opinion that reputation extends to these nano dimmers as well.

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• 

  Steve Harrison

  4 out of 5 stars

  It works but don't be fooled by comments about its size

  Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2017

  Verified Purchase

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  Pairs with VeraLite and so, presumably, with later Vera units as well. Because of the switch location I had to take the Vera unit, on battery, to the switch and pair simply using the buttons on both units but it seemed to go fine. The switch functions properly, including dimming, and appears to be reporting power usage. It controls a halogen light.

  This is my third Aeotec Nano unit (the other two are Nano Switches). Reviewers here and elsewhere often comment on how small they are. But once you get into a box and try to fit in this and the wiring and the switch, it turns out not to be so small after all. I use two of my Nano's without external switches; fitting them into the box without a switch isn't a big problem. But using both the Nano and the switch isn't easy and requires fairly tedious adjustment of wire lengths and positions.

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