Insteon Remote Dimmer Light Switch | Smarthome
Get complete local control of your automated lighting systems or remote control with your smartphone with this Remote Dimmer Light Switch.
Additional information
Manufacturer Product No. | 2477D – White (Each) |
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UPC | 813922013108 – White (Each) |
Patent No. | U.S. Patent No. 7,345,998, International patents pending |
Dimensions | 4.1" H x 1.8" W x 1.2W" D |
Weight | 3.6 oz |
A dimmer is a device connected to a light fixture and used to lower the brightness of the light. By changing the voltage waveform applied to the lamp, it is possible to lower the intensity of the light output. Although variable-voltage devices are used for various purposes, the term dimmer is generally reserved for those intended to control light output from resistive incandescent, halogen, and (more recently) compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). More specialized equipment is needed to dim fluorescent, mercury-vapor, solid-state, and other arc lighting.
Dimmers range in size from small units the size of domestic light switches to high-power units used in large theatrical or architectural lighting installations. Small domestic dimmers are generally directly controlled, although remote control systems (such as X10) are available. Modern professional dimmers are generally controlled by a digital control system like DMX or DALI. In newer systems, these protocols are often used in conjunction with Ethernet.
In the professional lighting industry, changes in intensity are called "fades" and can be "fade up" or "fade down". Dimmers with direct manual control had a limit on the speed they could be varied at but this problem has been largely eliminated with modern digital units (although very fast changes in brightness may still be avoided for other reasons like lamp life).
Modern dimmers are built from semiconductors instead of variable resistors, because they have higher efficiency. A variable resistor would dissipate power as heat and acts as a voltage divider. Since semiconductor or solid-state dimmers switch quickly between a low resistance "on" state and a high resistance "off" state, they dissipate very little power compared with the controlled load.
Most recently, software programmable internal dimmers can use signals from the same switch that turns lights on and off to control dimming. No dedicated external dimmer is needed. A simple communications protocol, such as Blink'n'Dim, delivers dimming commands via the power line. They enable computer control via networked switches, but do not require it. Their cost is about the same as the older "dimmability" circuitry that they replace in LED bulbs, fixtures or drivers.
Insteon is a proprietary home automation (domotics) system that enables light switches, lights, leak sensors, remote controls, motion sensors, and other electrically powered devices to interoperate through power lines, radio frequency (RF) communications, or both. It employs a dual-mesh networking topology in which all devices are peers and each device independently transmits, receives, confirm and repeats messages. Like other home automation systems, it had been associated with the Internet of things.
Light, visible light, or visible radiation is electromagnetic radiation that can be perceived by the human eye. Visible light spans the visible spectrum and is usually defined as having wavelengths in the range of 400–700 nanometres (nm), corresponding to frequencies of 750–420 terahertz. The visible band sits adjacent to the infrared (with longer wavelengths and lower frequencies) and the ultraviolet (with shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies), called collectively optical radiation.
In physics, the term "light" may refer more broadly to electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength, whether visible or not. In this sense, gamma rays, X-rays, microwaves and radio waves are also light. The primary properties of light are intensity, propagation direction, frequency or wavelength spectrum, and polarization. Its speed in vacuum, 299792458 m/s, is one of the fundamental constants of nature. Like all types of electromagnetic radiation, visible light propagates by massless elementary particles called photons that represents the quanta of electromagnetic field, and can be analyzed as both waves and particles. The study of light, known as optics, is an important research area in modern physics.
The main source of natural light on Earth is the Sun. Historically, another important source of light for humans has been fire, from ancient campfires to modern kerosene lamps. With the development of electric lights and power systems, electric lighting has effectively replaced firelight.
In electrical engineering, a switch is an electrical component that can disconnect or connect the conducting path in an electrical circuit, interrupting the electric current or diverting it from one conductor to another. The most common type of switch is an electromechanical device consisting of one or more sets of movable electrical contacts connected to external circuits. When a pair of contacts is touching current can pass between them, while when the contacts are separated no current can flow.
Switches are made in many different configurations; they may have multiple sets of contacts controlled by the same knob or actuator, and the contacts may operate simultaneously, sequentially, or alternately. A switch may be operated manually, for example, a light switch or a keyboard button, or may function as a sensing element to sense the position of a machine part, liquid level, pressure, or temperature, such as a thermostat. Many specialized forms exist, such as the toggle switch, rotary switch, mercury switch, push-button switch, reversing switch, relay, and circuit breaker. A common use is control of lighting, where multiple switches may be wired into one circuit to allow convenient control of light fixtures. Switches in high-powered circuits must have special construction to prevent destructive arcing when they are opened.
by Mike
Works as described
by John
Definitely one of the best smart switch options, especially when used with the ISY if you want more control!
by Gerry
Over time I have added to my Insteon network. The more devices, the better this works. The 2477D is a great product, and if you need it tech support is there to help. Automation with a voice assistant like Amazon Echo makes this product a must-have.
by Jeff
I’ve been using Insteon devices for well over 8 years now. The latest Insteon dimmers are really nice devices, albeit a bit pricey. The paddle touch is crisp, the device has clean lines and appearance. The casing completely encloses the device, which is a great safety measure. I have my Insteon devices integrated with a Universal Devices ISY 994i Home Automation controller (also integrated with Google Home) and now have full auditory control over all my Insteon devices – even the oldest ones from years ago.I find the communications & control for the most part, to be instantaneous with few exceptions in my home environment. I only have one odd comm issue that I’m tracking down.Having installed all of these myself, I do have some observations in the interest of further improvements:(1) Allow “backwiring” by providing recessed screw clamp terminals like other common electrical receptacles and switch devices. I am a electronics field tech from years back so I understand why you have pigtails but honestly, these take up sooo much room in the outlet box that I can barely get the switch screwed down securely – the need to have four extra wires and wirenuts is definitely causing the outlet box to be “overpacked” to the point that I am a bit concerned about it being a safety issue. The issue is compounded when the device is going into a double, triple, or larger ganged box. This is my single biggest negative on these devices. (2) Improve the instructions. This goes without saying, many reviewers have pointed out the poor documentation and setup procedures. For someone new to Insteon, it requires a lot of internet reading and research to fully understand the capabilities and how to properly deploy these in your environment.(3) The devices are somewhat audible, even under static conditions. I can often hear those little chirps which I assume are communication/status actions, even when I’m some physical distance from the device. It would be a welcome update to have those chirps (those not intended to be heard) to be better muffled or eliminated.Even with these few negatives, the devices have operated reliably for quite some time (years now) and I’ll continue to grow my Insteon network as I expand my Home Automation capabilities.