I recently installed Fibaro Dimmer 2 switches in my home, and I must say, they’ve been a fantastic addition to my smart home setup. The ability to control lights remotely and set up automation rules has made my life so much easier. However, I encountered an interesting issue that I thought I’d share in case others are facing something similar.
Upstairs, where the walls are stud and plasterboard, I used plastic back boxes. Downstairs, with solid brick walls, metal back boxes were the norm. I always assumed metal was better for signal strength, but another forum user suggested trying plastic boxes even in solid walls. I decided to give it a shot in one of the downstairs switches with a poor signal.
After replacing the metal box with a plastic one, I was disappointed to see the signal quality drop from 8dB to as low as 4dB. It seems the metal box was actually helping by reflecting the signal outward, while the plastic box absorbed more of it. I’ve since paused further replacements, but it’s been an eye-opening experience about how different materials can affect signal transmission.
This little experiment has made me more cautious about future upgrades. I’m now considering the environment and materials more carefully before making changes. It’s also a reminder of how community input can lead to unexpected insights!
Overall, I’m still thrilled with my Fibaro Dimmer 2s. They’ve transformed how I manage lighting, and I’m excited to explore more automation possibilities as I learn more about their capabilities. Happy automating everyone!