3-way: all smart dimmers vs dimmer + aux?

Switches Wiring Discussion
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1

I’m at a position now with a new house build where the drywall is still open and I have a specific question that I can’t seem to figure out:

What are the pros/cons with using two smart dimmers in a 3-way configuration vs 1 smart dimmer and 1 aux add-on switch?

From what I can tell:

  • Yes its possible to have all smart dimmers in my 3- and 4-way configurations
  • if all smart dimmers it depends on binding between each switch ? (how does this look when it fails?)
  • Do I lose any functionality with all smart dimmers vs an aux switch (and vice versa)
  • aux switches clearly don’t have the led bar but what else would I be missing

Looking for advice now for a new house, interested in functionality and want to preserve “normal” non-smart behavior if all connections are lost.

I assume I can use enbrighten add-on switches without issue if the inovelli ones aren’t in stock?

Thank you!

2

You have it about right, you lose the LED bar.

Binding should only fail if one of the devices fails.

Any add-on should work. The Inovelli version gives you a config button as a 3rd button.

3

Perfect, thank you… so no real downside to just using all dimmers, I get my led bar, I just need to have the guys wire it right ?

Uhhh… blue dimmers on backorder… any way to find out when I can get my hands on like 70 of em lol ?

Thanks,
Chris