Top 4-Way Smart Dimmer Switches

If you need sophisticated control over lighting levels in expansive spaces, staircases, or hallways, a 4-way smart dimmer switch could be advantageous for you. Such switches offer a multitude of benefits; they don’t just respond to voice commands, but also incorporate easy-to-use timers and the extra convenience of remote control. Additionally, they can smoothly integrate with motion detection systems, providing accurate control over the intensity of your lights.

How do 4-Way Smart Dimmer Switches work?

All light switches have a similar purpose: allowing the electricity to flow through a completed circuit when the light is switched on, and cutting off the electricity when the light is turned off. 

However, 4-way switches behave a little differently. 

A 4-way switch has four terminals. They contain a traveler wire which provides two potential pathways to complete a circuit. 

This innovative design means you can have lots of 4-way switches in a circuit and control a single light from any of those switches! This is ideal for hallways, stairwells, or large rooms with multiple entrances. 

Additionally, a 4-way dimmer switch can also help you control a light's brightness. Typically, 4-way switches need to be wired to operate. However, some brands available on the market require only the master switch to be wired, while the add-on switches communicate via RF.

If you're looking for an unproblematic DIY 4-way smart dimmer, you can't do much better than the Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch and Pico Remote Mounting Kit.

Apart from the fact that this product is ideal for retrofit or new construction situations, it also makes upgrading an existing 4-way setup super easy. All you need to do is buy an additional Pico remote (however many you need) and set those up along with the smart dimmer switch to get the functionality of a 4-way setup. 

Installation

Not to mention, installing the Caseta Smart Bridge can help you control your lights remotely, set personalized lighting schedules, utilize the Smart Away feature, and manage your lights via voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. 

Installing this Smart Dimmer Switch is a breeze, thanks to its detailed user manual and online videos. Plus, the kit comes equipped with most of the tools required for installation (you'll need to bring your pliers and screwdrivers, though). 

The Lutron Caseta works with energy-efficient dimmable lights such as:

• LEDs and CFLs up to 100W
• Incandescent and halogen bulbs up to 300W

Upgrading to a 4-way setup for your lighting fixtures can be a little intimidating with all those wires involved. But that's not true for Leviton DW6HD-1BZ Decora Smart Dimmer Pack. 

Leviton knows what it's doing when it comes to electrical devices like 4-way smart dimmer switches thanks to more than 100 years of industry experience. 

Dimmer Kit

But to us, what really makes this product stand out is that it allows you to upgrade your existing 4-way lighting arrangement within an economical price range, without any fuss or the need for a hub. Sound good so far?

This kit contains the DW6HD Decora Smart Dimmer and the DD00R-DLZ Companion Dimmer, which means you'll need to get yourself an extra companion dimmer to achieve 4-way switching. Nonetheless, that doesn't seem like too much trouble compared to the fact the Leviton app offers you features like:

• Extended remote control via virtual assistants (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, etc.)
• Randomization mode for vacations and trips
• Personalized lighting schedules and scenes

Tech Specs

Both the Leviton Decora Smart Dimmer Switch and the DD00R-DLZ Companion Dimmer Switch are compatible with dimmable LEDs, CFLs (300W), and incandescent bulbs up to 600W.

The Tessan Multi-Way Smart Dimmer Switches Kit clocks in at number three on our list because this product is another heavy-hitter in the world of 4-way switch configurations.

The entire point of upgrading a 3-way lighting setup to a 4-way switch arrangement is added convenience. And that's precisely what this kit can offer you. 

Like the Leviton Smart Dimmer Switch Kit, this product offers hub-free connectivity via the Smart Life app. Then, there's the hassle-free wiring, thanks to the switch's wire placement and the detailed wiring diagram. The master switch includes a handy LED indicator to alert users of faulty wiring.

Once you're through with the wiring, all you need to do is connect to the app to enjoy benefits like scheduling, control via voice assistants, and more. However, just purchasing this kit will allow you to launch a 3-way switching configuration. For a 4-way setup, you'll need to buy another add-on switch by Tessan.

Tech Specs

The 4-way switches are compatible with dimmable LEDs (150W), CFLs (150W), and incandescent bulbs (400W). Apart from that, these switches need a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection.

Folks who want a simple and direct upgrade from their 3-way standard switch setup to a 4-way configuration with remote access need to know about the Zooz Z-Wave Plus S2 Wall Dimmer Switch. Here's why.

The best part about this switch is that you can pair it with common switch setups. Step one requires installing the Zooz in the box with a direct connection to the power and neutral line. Step two is connecting your simple on/off switches to the Zooz switch, and step three involves connecting your Zooz smart switch to a Z-Wave hub. 

Once you're up and running, here's what the Zooz switch can offer you:

• Flicker-free dimming and compatibility with most of the popular dimmable bulbs on the market
• There are no minimum wattage requirements to stress you out
• Utilize your Z-Wave hub to enjoy pros like scheduling, creating the perfect scene complete with lighting, and the ultra-quick “Smart Tap” feature does quick work of controlling your lights
• Over-the-air updates to ensure your dimmer works like clockwork
• Top-notch software protection thanks to the S2's security standard
• Customizable settings, such as scheduling, max/min. brightness settings, etc.

Other 4-Way Smart Dimmer Switches

Much like all the other entries in our compilation, this product has all the necessary features. To start with, the smart switches communicate with each other via Bluetooth. 

Additionally, there's no need for a hub or any other hardware for extended features via the app or voice control through Alexa, Siri, etc. There's also a 2-year warranty for anxious first-time buyers. 

This product will also suit users concerned about the overall decor and look of a room because Insteon Smart Dimmer Switches feature several attraction color options for the paddle. 

Unlike the iDevices Smart Switch, the Insteon Smart Dimmer Switch does require a hub connection for remote access through virtual assistants and smartphones.

Features & Benefits of Smart Dimmer Switches

Comfort

4-way dimmer switches offer buyers the advantage of comfort and convenience. It almost feels like electrical wizardry when you don't have to drudge back to the lonesome switch in a big ole room to turn the lights off (or on). 

There's also the advantage of being able to dim lights or set a schedule or scene, thanks to the “smart” aspect of these switches. And, for the especially forgetful (like us), there's the handy feature of remote access, so you can turn off your lights no matter where you are.

Financial Advantages

Imagine a setup that allows you to manage a handful of lighting fixtures with a single kit or device. That means you can remotely control your lighting fixtures to suit your needs without even being at home!

Or what if you could control your lights to go off and on just after you leave or before you arrive? The point is, 4-way smart switches don't only offer comfort and ease, but you can also utilize them to save money on energy bills. What's not to like about that? 

Eco-friendly

We live in a world where climate change isn't just a possibility – it's reality. And if you're looking to contribute to a positive change for the environment, you can actually do so by installing smart switches. As crazy as that may sound, 3-way and 4-way setups help you cut down on unnecessary energy consumption, particularly for incandescent lights. 

Features like remote access control and even customizable scheduling afford you the chance to cut back on energy waste. 

Low-cost Crime Deterrent

Citizens of the United States face around 2.2 million burglaries per year, and the stats aren't all that better worldwide either. Being vigilant can go a long way in keeping you safe, but you can't be watchful when you aren't even home. 

That's where the “away” or “vacation” mode on 4-way smart dimmers can help. This feature is designed to turn your lights on and off randomly to keep intruders at bay. 

Voice Control Features

There are no two ways about it – voice control via virtual assistants like Alexa, or Google Assistant are a great time saver!

It doesn't always have to be the lazy option either, when you're too tired to move. Voice control is essential in situations where folks are dealing with limited mobility due to medical concerns, recovery from surgery, etc. 

Conclusion

So there you have it. With these 4-way smart dimmer switches, you can now upgrade the lighting in hallways and large rooms. With it you get all the advantages like remote access control, personalized schedules, lighting scenes, and they can even help you reduce your energy bills!

Sources

Leviton