How to associate a switch and lighting?

To control a lighting from a switch, you need a module Wattcube Push for the switch and a module Wattcube Light for the lighting

How to create a 2-way switch ?

To create a 2-way switch from an existing switch, you need a module Wattcube Push , Wattcube Push L or possibly a module < Wattcube Power for the switch and a second module for the second switch.

Please find application note in our section “application”

Do Wattlet modules work by radio frequency?

NOWattlet modules do not use radio frequency based technology. They thus free themselves from the disadvantages associated with this technology.

Unlike radio frequency Wattcube:
– Do not require a signal amplifier or relay to operate.
– Do not have an antenna.
– Have a range greater than 3 Km.
– Do not undergo the constraints and disturbances related to the structures of buildings: Thick or old walls – Metal structures – Floors – Verandas – Garage doors…

– Do not need a battery to operate, they preserve the environment because there is no need to replace them, recycle them and there are no extra cost even small (battery).

– Do not generate radio waves disturbing the environment and incompatible with bio-compatible electrical installations.

– No complexe programming

Is your technology based on powerline communication (PLC), it should generate many disruptive electromagnetic fields?

NOT . Our products communicate on the existing electrical installation and use the principle of the line carrier current (PLT).

The Wattcubes operate on very low frequencies. This technology provides significantly improved reliability and scope. It does not generate any electromagnetic fields like other radio-frequency technologies. The Wattcube are compatible with biotic or bio-compatible electrical installations that have the objective of limiting or better eliminating electromagnetic field emissions at home or at your place of work

Is it possible to communicate two electrical installations secured by two different circuit breakers?

Yes. Communication between a lighting network and a network of outlets is possible. For example: at any time, depending on needs or desires, a switch can control a lighting connected to a 16A socket and a ceiling light. Differential switches or circuit breakers can however considerably attenuate the PLC signal. ( see our article: Differential attenuation ). It is possible to avoid these attenuations by adding a phase coupler . See our article about it

Can the Wattcube be installed on a three-phase network?

Yes.But it is necessary to install a phase coupler. View our product Wattcube Coupler

Can the modules be reconfigured without openning the switches?

Yes . The reconfiguration is carried out simply in two steps:

Step 1:

– Reset the existing configuration by simply holding the Wattcube badge for a few seconds In front of the switch.

2nd step:

– The new configuration is made simply by passing the badge in front of the new elements to be associated.

(Maximum distance of action of the badge is 3-6cm of the module)

Can we create a general switch interrupting an entire installation or an entire electrical circuit?

YES. By combining a module Wattcube Push with all the modules to be controlled. Pass the badge respectively in front of the switch, in front of all the lighting or electrical equipment to be controlled and go back in front of the switch to complete the programming. The centralization of the Wattcube does not require the installation of a pilot wire.

Is there a need to add cabling to centralize the Wattcubes?

NO . The centralization of the Wattcube does not require the installation of a pilot wire. This prevents you from having to run an extra cable in when it is still possible or to divert an existing cable from its original function in order to meet the needs of your customers.

For a simple rocker switch or push button are the Wattcube different?

NO. The Wattltet modules “detect” the equipment to which they are connected. There is therefore no need for modules specific to each type of switch. (Rocker switch or push button)

Which section of cable should the Wattcube be connected?

The Wattcube is self-protected and requires a minimum section of 0.75mm2. A larger section can be used downstream of the Wattcube on the connected load.

Are Wattlet modules compatible with X10 technology?

NO. Our products are not compatible with this technology in the sense that they can not communicate with each other. However, the Wattcube can be installed on the same electrical network equipped with X10 components, the Wattlet modules are not disturbed by the X10 signals and they do not influence the devices operating with this protocol.

Can the modules be interfaced with a home automation box?

YES. Interfacing is possible via our communicating gateway Wattcube Web , the Wattcube can be interrogated and controlled by a home automation system.

This home automation station system is able to communicate via:

  • Ethernet: http protocol owner, see Wattcube Web
  • Modbus TCP/IP over Ethernet

We support the exchange of JSON files, XML, HTML commands and PUSH commands.

How many Wattcube Push can be associated with a Wattcube Light or Power?

The maximum number of connectable modules is 16. Each module has a memory space equal to 16 associations per inputs / outputs. For example:

  • 1 Wattcube Push on 16 Wattcube Light
  • 16 Wattcube Push on 1 Wattcube Light
  • 16 Wattcube Light + 16 Wattcube Push on a Wattcube Power (This module has an input and an output)

We have PLC plugs for the transmission of an internet connection on our electrical installation, is it the same technology?

YES. The principle is the same only in the sense that the Wattcube use the existing electrical network to communicate with each other. The comparison stops there because Wattlet products do not work on the same frequency. (110KHz) Our technology makes it possible to achieve significantly improved reliability and distance range. The products commonly known as “PLC plugs” or “PLC boxes” (Freeplug, Devolo, VOO, Belgacom TV …) are not compatible and do not communicate with the Wattcube but both systems can coexist on the same electrical network.

Is badge unique to each electric installation ?

NO. The Wattcube badge is common to all installations. However, it is possible to lock the programming from the Wattcube Web .

If you pass the badge accidentally over a switch, is the programming changed?

NO. To program the modules, it is necessary to pass successively the badge over a switch containing a Wattcube and a lighting for example. After 10 minutes the module returns to user mode. While it is in programming mode, it can still be controlled by the user. This accidental passage therefore has no influence on the user experience.

Do Wattcube product work with batteries?

NO. Wattcubes work without any battery – the system is maintenance free and is built to last over 20 years. In addition, it saves you from returning to your sales service for a simple battery replacement.

What does the name of the company mean?

The name “Wattlet” comes from Wavelet, literally “small waves” in English. By analogy, Wattlet means “Small Watt”. It is also inspired by the name of its founder.

Does the communication protocol between modules have acknowledgments, collision management?

YES. All messages exchanged between the modules have acknowledgments. All messages are transmitted with an anti-collision system called CSMA / CD (Carrier Sens Multiple Access with Collision Detection).

These protocols make it possible to secure the command sent and thus guarantee optimal communication between the modules.

After pressing the push button, the associated lights briefly light up and then switch off?

This happens when the module connected to the pushbutton is configured in the switch mode. To change this mode:

– Enter the programming mode by passing the badge in front of the module

(For a Wattcube Push-2, push first the pushbutton for which you want to switch modes)

– Press the button 5 times quickly

– Exit the programming mode by passing the badge in front of the module

Is it possible to independently control several roller shutters and have a generalized switch?

YES. Each roller shutter have a Wattcube Window and a Wattcube Push-2. Each Wattcube Push-2 is programmed on a Wattcube Window. Then add a Wattcube Push-2 that is associated with all Wattcube Window. When this last switch is pressed, all roller shutters will go down or go up.

What is the reliability of the Wattlet protocol?

Our protocol uses secure algorithms which allow us to arrive under normal conditions to the loss of a command over 40 million.

Do the Wattcube work properly with earth circuit breakers?

By their design, the earth protection breakers strongly attenuate the powerline communication signals. It is therefore not advisable to have one or more earth breaker between two Wattcubes. See our application note

In renovation, I want to create a two-ways switch from an existing simple switch. There is already a cable between the switch and the ligh, which wattcube do I need?

In theory, it would need wattcube push in the existing switch, a wattcube light in the lighting and a wattcube push in the new switch. But as a the cable already exists between the existing switch and lighti,g, use a Wattcube Power in the switch and a Wattcube Push in the new switch.

Can my neighbor modify or control my wattcube from home?

NO, generally the new electricity meters filter our PLC signals well.

 

If there is a power outage, is the programming saved?

YES, a power cut has no effect on programming. For safety reasons, the lights or electrical appliances connected to the output of the wattcube are deactivated when the electrical installation is restarted.

 

Can I use a high frequency PLC phase coupler (Internet PLC plugs)?

NON, les coupleurs de phases hautes fréquences ont des condensateurs internes de faible valeur. Cela limite le courant que l’on passer en CPL basse fréquence. De plus l’effet d’ajouter des condensateur sur le réseau électrique peut avoir l’effet inverse sur le CPL et venir dégrader le signal. Nous conseillons vivement d’acheter soit le Wattcube Coupler ou le Wattcube CouplerDin.

Which circuit-breaker should be installed to protect the Wattcube?

The Wattcubes for flush-in boxes have an internal fuse of 1A or 6A (depending on the model) and wire connections of 0.75mm2. They can therefore be fitted without an external circuit breaker. It is necessary to provide a disconnection device in the event of intervention. If the Wattcube is connected to an existing installation, never use a circuit breaker with a power less than 10A. This considerably limits the passage of powerline communication carrier.

The DIN rail mounted Wattcube DINs require a circuit breaker with a maximum current of 16A or 25A (depending on the model). The circuit breaker must never be less than 10A.

For any other question about the implementation of Wattcube, contact us or go to our forum.