One Switch Two Fixtures

Switches General Discussion
#1

So not sure if this topic has been broached yet but I would like to control both my interior entryway LED fixture (combined 12W) and outdoor fixture using the same Red Dimmer.

I just wired the entryway light using the dimmer while the outside light is using a dummy switch, both are in the same double gang box. The outside light is LED as well, under 10W I believe. I used the Aeotec bypass on the interior entryway fixture already. My questions are:

  1. Is this as simple as connecting the load for the exterior light to the second load hole on the switch?
  2. Would I need to add another bypass to the exterior fixture?
  3. Would the traveler connections on either switch be of any use?

This idea just popped into my head right after I finished the install so feel free to crush my dreams!

Thanks in advance!

#2

Are both fixtures on the same circuit breaker?

#3

Yup!

#4

Why did you add the bypass to the first one? Is this a non-neutral installation or was there an issue with bulb performance on the first fixture?

#5

Non-neutral - all my fixtures are also low wattage LEDs so I’ve been installing the bypasses at the fixtures. I’m out of bypasses so I’m hoping that I can add the exterior light to the switch without having to add another one.

#6

I’m not sure if adding a 2nd fixture to a non-neutral is proper or not. If it was a neutral installation, I wouldn’t see an issue. I’m not saying it’s improper, I just don’t know. What’s kicking around in the back of my mind is that since the dimmer is relying upon a switch loop for power, throwing something else into the mix may cause issues, particularly with a gfci or arc fault breaker, the latter in particular. Unfortunately, I don’t know enough about the mechanics of the non-neutral to comment further.

Is there any reason you can’t add a 2nd smart switch and then just link the two with a rule?

#7

No, I was just hoping to avoid having to buy another switch.