Adding a new switch location inside your home can sometimes be a time consuming project, depending on your home. Some homes, such as split-levels and historic homes can present interesting obstacles as far as fishing wire through walls is concerned. Historically, we electricians have always had to cut into the drywall or plaster and run wires the old fashioned way. We really had no other option, but recently, there have been great advancements in wireless electrical devices for your home. One of the devices that we, at Lumen Brothers Electric use frequently is Lutron’s in-wall dimmer switch / remote control combo called the Lutron Caseta and Pico. The Caseta is a hard-wired dimmer switch that operates similarly to any other dimmer you may have in your home. It does, however, offer a very sleek digital LED display that allows you to dim your lights and preset the dimming levels to your liking. It’s really a nice device.
But what sets the Caseta apart from other dimmer switches is that is pairs with a remote controlled wall switch called Pico. This battery-operated remote control offers the same functions as the hard-wired Caseta, only it can be installed virtually anywhere. You can also pair a number of other Pico remotes to the same Caseta switch. The Lithium battery inside the Pico should last up to 10 years before you need to replace it which really takes this device to the next level. What this means is, instead of cutting into drywall or plaster in order to install a new 3 or 4-way switch, all you have to do is install the Lutron Caseta, pair it with your Pico, install the pico wherever you’d like (within range of the Caseta) and you’re all set.
If you want to take it a step further, Lutron offers a Bridge that pairs your Caseta device to your smart phone so you can control your lighting from just about anywhere. Going on vacation and want your home to look inhabited? Lutron has you covered. These little devices have been a game changer for us here at Lumen Brothers. We live and work in historic Frederick Maryland and many of the homes we service are built like tanks. Sometimes the labor required to repair the damage to plaster walls is prohibitive to doing the electrical work in the first place. Now, with the Caseta and Pico, that problem is solved.
Contact Lumen Brothers today to inquire about installing some of these smart switches throughout your home by visiting our “Contact” page and filling out our online form today.
