I feel these sneak under the radar for many so I figured I'd do a brief review.
Leviton makes toggle type dimmers and switches that work in 3 way and 4 way configs that are compatible with HomeKit.
The major benefit with these is you can use them for 3 way switches that many homes have and they do not require a hub.
http://www.leviton.com/en/products/lighting-controls/decora-smart-with-homekit-technology
First off its a bit confusing the way they work. But to keep it simple you buy the HomeKit dimmer or switch which come in 3 forms, 600 watt dimmer, 1000 watt dimmer and 15amp switch. Those will work in any single pole or 3/4 way configuration. If you have a 3/4 way switch you buy ONE of the above dimmers or switches and the matching remote (ex. DD00R-DLZ) for the other receptacles.
Things to know before buying anything.
1. In a 3 way configuration they require the remote, they will not work with standard 3 way switches.
2. The HomeKit dimmer/switch AND remote require neutrals (they are loads themselves).
3. The HomeKit dimmer/switch goes on the LOAD side of the circuit, the remote goes on the LINE side.
The installation instructions SUCK. Being familiar with electronics (per trade) I'm not sure if I was overthinking it or what but I was severely underwhelmed by the installation instructions. I ended up tossing them and doing what I knew was right and they worked perfectly.
Single pole installation is much easier.
Like most HomeKit devices the app offers a bit more functionality than HomeKit but once everything is setup to the way you like it you don't need use it again (max/min brightness, default brightness, locator LED on/off, etc).
So far they work just as well as the rest of my HomeKit products (EcoBee and Philips Hue). They look good on the wall and give all the functionality of a normal dimmer and switch. The switches themselves come in white but the toggle part can snap off to be replaced with a dozen different colors. I find this method of integrated HomeKit to be one of the best because it doesn't require the entire family altering the way they interact with lights and switches if they don't want too.
Couple other things, because I've read reviews of the products and some are scary.
1. Never use a dimmer on a fan. You need a fan control. Dimmers reduce voltage and that is bad for a motor.
2. Never use a dimmer on an outlet. Not only is it against code nearly universally its can damage the dimmer or device plugged in (ex TV, phone charger, vacuum, etc). Use the HomeKit switch for outlets.
Leviton makes toggle type dimmers and switches that work in 3 way and 4 way configs that are compatible with HomeKit.
The major benefit with these is you can use them for 3 way switches that many homes have and they do not require a hub.
http://www.leviton.com/en/products/lighting-controls/decora-smart-with-homekit-technology
First off its a bit confusing the way they work. But to keep it simple you buy the HomeKit dimmer or switch which come in 3 forms, 600 watt dimmer, 1000 watt dimmer and 15amp switch. Those will work in any single pole or 3/4 way configuration. If you have a 3/4 way switch you buy ONE of the above dimmers or switches and the matching remote (ex. DD00R-DLZ) for the other receptacles.
Things to know before buying anything.
1. In a 3 way configuration they require the remote, they will not work with standard 3 way switches.
2. The HomeKit dimmer/switch AND remote require neutrals (they are loads themselves).
3. The HomeKit dimmer/switch goes on the LOAD side of the circuit, the remote goes on the LINE side.
The installation instructions SUCK. Being familiar with electronics (per trade) I'm not sure if I was overthinking it or what but I was severely underwhelmed by the installation instructions. I ended up tossing them and doing what I knew was right and they worked perfectly.
Single pole installation is much easier.
Like most HomeKit devices the app offers a bit more functionality than HomeKit but once everything is setup to the way you like it you don't need use it again (max/min brightness, default brightness, locator LED on/off, etc).
So far they work just as well as the rest of my HomeKit products (EcoBee and Philips Hue). They look good on the wall and give all the functionality of a normal dimmer and switch. The switches themselves come in white but the toggle part can snap off to be replaced with a dozen different colors. I find this method of integrated HomeKit to be one of the best because it doesn't require the entire family altering the way they interact with lights and switches if they don't want too.
Couple other things, because I've read reviews of the products and some are scary.
1. Never use a dimmer on a fan. You need a fan control. Dimmers reduce voltage and that is bad for a motor.
2. Never use a dimmer on an outlet. Not only is it against code nearly universally its can damage the dimmer or device plugged in (ex TV, phone charger, vacuum, etc). Use the HomeKit switch for outlets.
