I thought this was a simple setup, but the more I research the more confused I get.

I'm in the final framing/prep of a new HT/Basement and want to know the best way to set up the lighting wiring for a "simple" control.

I will have:
4 Sconces
LED Rope Lighting in crown molding
LED Rope Lighting in riser steps


My first question is that since the LED rope light is low voltage, can I just tap "existing" outlets (non switched) or do I need dedicated wiring?

My second question is how to control the lighting. I am looking for control of the overall lights (on, dim, etc) and independent control (ie, riser lights). At first glance, Insteon seems like a great option. They have customizable control "keypad" that can control the overall/individual and scenes. Also, it looks like I can use the keypad to control the sconces (on light switch) and add "In-Line Dimmer" for the rope lights. Am I missing anything?

Now the biggie, I'd like to control this via a universal remote (Harmony, Pronto, etc). It looks like by adding Insteon's IR receiver, I can do that. Is it that "simple" or am I missing something.

I've steered away from Grafik Eye because I think its overkill for just a HT setup. My concern is cost and complexity. Again, am I missing something?

Thanks much!!

Not sure about the first question as my electrical knowledge is pretty sparse but for the second question, I think Insteon is the way to go and it's pretty scaleable if you plan to expand outside the HT. I plan on using Insteon as well as my lighting control needs in my HT are pretty simple ...

Thanks for reply.

Have you explored "remote compatability"? Basically, can you integrate Insteon into a unified remote? It looks like others (grafik eye, etc) are compatable, but I'm not certain on Insteon.

To answer your first question, you can tap into a nearby outlet as long as you don't have too many ckts on that run. However, you will have to plug it in to use it. Making the outlet switched would allow you to control it and what's on it.

I know very little about the graffik eye and the insteon. I do know however you need to bring the power for the ckts to the device(graffik eye-insteon) to control each ckt.

Usually you dont want to put more than 10 ckts on a 15amp run, and you'd like to make them uniform (outlets w/ outlets, lights w/lights). This way if you trip a ckt you still have one or the other.


Hope this helps,

Big Ave

Yep. That helps a lot. Thanks.

The direct wiring for the grafik eye is what is swaying me toward a "simpler" solution like the Insteon. Instead of direct wiring, I can use the inline controllers tied to the keypad and potentially a remote.

On the remote, unless I'm missing something, Insteon's new IR receiver should create the link to a universal remote. I'm still searching other forums, but I believe I could use one remote (ie, Harmony 1000) tied to the IR receiver to get the control. Also, I would like to use Harmony's wireless extension to deliver the IR message through a closed equipment room. Sound right?

Thanks