Smart Light Switches

fionny

Sounds great to be fair... if only they were a bit cheaper... is there a warranty on the bulbs. Would fecken hate to be dropping that and find the bulb frys a week later.

bk

fionny wrote: »

Sounds great to be fair... if only they were a bit cheaper... is there a warranty on the bulbs. Would fecken hate to be dropping that and find the bulb frys a week later.

At least a year, like all items sold in Europe. Though Ireland has even better consumer protection laws that say an item should last as long as people typically think an item should last.

paulbok

These look like the answer for smart switches, but full specs and details are hard to come by.

Will be keeping an eye on them for more details and reviews, they look really nice and have inbuilt z-wave control.

Video is a bit translated roughly. "wise men enjoy life"
Has Alexa skill.

beanian

paulbok wrote: »

[URL="https://www.amazon.co.uk/COOLTOUCH-
Video is a bit translated roughly. "wise men enjoy life"

That video is gold "various of control modes will adapt to your personal habit" :D

Villain

Looking for the same myself mainly for a 4 gang at main entrance which controls 2 internal and 2 external lights some LED and some standard.

The lightwaverrf looks the best match but I don't need dimmer just on and off with ability to control remotely.

Seems most things available are trying to be too smart for what I need, has anyone just replaced the switches and left existing lights in place with the ability to control remotely?

wexfordman2

Villain wrote: »

Looking for the same myself mainly for a 4 gang at main entrance which controls 2 internal and 2 external lights some LED and some standard.

The lightwaverrf looks the best match but I don't need dimmer just on and off with ability to control remotely.

Seems most things available are trying to be too smart for what I need, has anyone just replaced the switches and left existing lights in place with the ability to control remotely?

Retrofit is always going to be a little complicated, unless you are doing a new build or have the ability to change your wiring out.

If you were wiring a new house today, you would be foolish to go with traditional 220v wiring schemes.

Villain

wexfordman2 wrote: »

Retrofit is always going to be a little complicated, unless you are doing a new build or have the ability to change your wiring out.

If you were wiring a new house today, you would be foolish to go with traditional 220v wiring schemes.

I get that, I starting building in 2007 and finished in 2012, I just think the retrofit market is the biggest one available to any product right now so surprised there isn't more simple products for it

wexfordman2

Villain wrote: »

I get that, I starting building in 2007 and finished in 2012, I just think the retrofit market is the biggest one available to any product right now so surprised there isn't more simple products for it

Does Phillips hue work for you? I don't have any, but I read that pulsing a normal lightswithc gives you manual control of a hue bulb, and if that's the case then it would be a good solution, and in conjunction with replacing your wallswitch with momentary switches would give you what you want.

That would be what I would be looking into of I was doing a refit.

Villain

Hue would work inside but I want to control external LED lights too, I have a few LIFX for rooms inside

bk

Villain wrote: »

Hue would work inside but I want to control external LED lights too, I have a few LIFX for rooms inside

While not officially supported, many people use Hue lights outdoors in IP rated light fixtures.

Again no guarantee, use at your own risk *

* BTW I don't think the risk is really a safety one, more of a hurting your wallet one if you manage to fry a €50 bulb.

Stoner

bk wrote:

While not officially supported, many people use Hue lights outdoors in IP rated light fixtures.

TBH there is nothing to support here if the fitting has the correct IP rating then there should be no issue using a hue lamp in it.

fionny

So im giving serious consideration to buying into the LightwaveRF setup but maybe someone can help clear things up a tad for my lack of electrical / other knowledge:

I need the LightwaveRF link = the hub - 90euro

After that I can get either the switches like this one: https://www.thesmartshop.co.uk/lightwaverf/store/home-automation-lighting/jsjslw420wh-lightwaverf-2-gang-light-dimmer-switch-in-white - LightwaveRF 2 gang Light Dimmer Switch in White (I have LED bulbs which are non dimmable but I assume the dimming is only if you set it that way)

That will work out of the box connected to the existed wiring correct? If I want I can have it two way (I assume that means 2 seperate switches controlling the same light? but what does: The JSJSLW440SS dimmers are suitable for one or two-way operation (slave unit required for two-way) mean? You just designate one as a slave unit and the other as a master?

Or If I wanted I could buy relays such as this one: https://www.thesmartshop.co.uk/lightwaverf/store/home-automation-electric-plugs/jsjslw825-3-way-relays-switch-3000w- 3 Way Inline Relay Switch

That relay could control 3 seperate lights correct? If i could fit it behind the existing switches? I assume going that route would mean I have to leave the switches on all the time or else it would effectively turn off the relay?

Thanks,

Stoner

fionny wrote:

So im giving serious consideration to buying into the LightwaveRF setup but maybe someone can help clear things up a tad for my lack of electrical / other knowledge:

Hi.

I've hooked some of the lightwaverf units up to fittings 2x26watt pls florescent lamps and they would not switch on or off.
I changed the fittings to 2 number 15 watt LEDs bringing the total wattage to 30 watts bang in the middle of the 15-60watt range for led lamps they recommend for the 250 switch, they turned on but flashed when off.


Long story short. They have a list of lamps that work, that they can switch. That list contains lamps that don't work, or will only turn on or off with no dimming.

I've bought Philips lamps that are recommended but haven't hooked them up yet.

So I'd check your fittings/lamps against the list first, old-fashioned incandescent lamps up to 250 Watts work. LEDs are a gamble, dimming is a bigger gamble..Using recommend lamps works but watch the wattage range.

Regarding the wireless unit

On two way switching they recommend that you alter the wiring so that one switch is a standalone hard wired switch, the second is wireless and paired to it. I never did this. I just read their forums.

TBH I hate the thoughts of batteries in switches and I think the Philips switches look terrible. Yet some operate off the kinetic energy used by pressing the switch, this works very well.

But all these systems have limitations. LED lamps and circuitry can be tricky, particularly for devices that are working from imbalanced voltages in the absence of 230 V at the switches.

If you are really interested , look at the fibaro units too both need a hub, unless you buy a RPI, or have several lying around, or you can get them for 50p then buy a lightwaverf antenna for the rpi that will take up most of its io leaving it pretty much as a lightwaverf hub that you have to flute around with regularly

You'll get a hub on eBay for about 55 pounds that will just work and will be set up in minutes.

If you have more questions PM me and I'll give you my number it will be faster than typing it out. TBH I haven't gone mad on lightwaverf light switches. I'm not that bothered, I've some PIRs in the house for years that cost little.
I use a lightwaverf 3 way relay for my security lights

I have a mood switch in my room. It has all on, all off, and three moods.

This is used to turn on my TV, Amp, corner lamp and at moment the Christmas tree.

I find the lightwaverf twin recessed brushed chrome sockets to be an OK match for MK brushed chrome units. and you get to control each side of the twin socket seperately.

So my lightwaverf lights are on

Relays
Mood switch
Lamps on lightwaverf sockets using google dusk to dawn interfaces

Note most of these options use 230 Vac switching relays.




.

Stoner

bk wrote:

Because they are easily one of the most awesome Home Automation ecosystems, everyone on this forum who has bought them love them and is pretty addicted to them. Once you try them you really can't go back to boring old standard leds.

I'm not addicted to them lol.

I've five hue lamps. By far my favorite it the hue go

I've a coloured lamp in living room. It's on warm white when used. I've the white one I got from you in the play room. We just turn it on at the switch.

I've a coloured lamp in the kids room, it's just turned on and off/ white

I've a coloured lamp in my bedroom, unfortunately none of the full colours made me look more impressive it's also on white, on off control.

I do like the portable hue go lamp and I had it on a sequence for Christmas. I'd buy another one during a sale.

But I don't get the use from the others at all.

Motion control is easy to achieve with hue but nothing new to me. I'd have a 15 euro as sensor wired in very quickly of I wanted more. I've one in a bathroom and utility room for years.

bk

Fair enough, but then most people don't have your electrical skills.

Of course, dimmer switches and motion sensors have existed for years. But they usually required an electrician to install them, so for most people the cost quickly sky rockets. The nice thing about Hue is that most of it can be installed without any electrical skills or the need for an electrician.

Hue allows most ordinary people do what in the past only an electrician could do.

And they are unarguably the most widely integrated home automation technology. Alexa, Goggle Home, IFTTT, Yonomi, Harmony Hub, Smartthings, etc. all out of the box. I wish more HA companies follow suit.

Personally I find smart switches to not be very interesting or useful, it is the various colour and white variants of the Hue lights that add real value for me. I would never have bothered with smart switches had it not been for the white ambiance and colour features of Hue.

fionny

Ah feck, every time I think im close to understanding I get confused again...

The hue setup doesnt allow for you to ultilise its function in existing lights where the bulbs cannot be changed does it? IE I have under and over cabinet LED strip lighting in the kitchen.. I suppose I could replace the switches with a socket and use a socket in there?

bk

fionny wrote: »

Ah feck, every time I think im close to understanding I get confused again...

The hue setup doesnt allow for you to ultilise its function in existing lights where the bulbs cannot be changed does it? IE I have under and over cabinet LED strip lighting in the kitchen.. I suppose I could replace the switches with a socket and use a socket in there?

Correct, they only have drop in replace bulbs and lamps. No replacement switches or in-line controllers which is what you would need for the LED strips.

However Philips do make their own Hue LED strips that you could replace your old ones with.

fionny

Feck that anyway :P

I think I might wait a while and invest later... I dont think the market is ready for the likes of me.

Stoner

bk wrote:

Fair enough, but then most people don't have your electrical skills.

It's not that TBH. I just think the coloured lights are not for me. I had a bit if a Wii time with them.

That Canary camera was a great recommendation! It's a savage device

Stoner

fionny wrote:

The hue setup doesnt allow for you to ultilise its function in existing lights where the bulbs cannot be changed does it? IE I have under and over cabinet LED strip lighting in the kitchen.. I suppose I could replace the switches with a socket and use a socket in there?

No they don't. I've a SONOFF unit on the way. Less than 10 euro posted. It's a 2KW , 10amp switching load ,using wifi and a 433 MHz remote.

I'll give them a go on a smartThings hub. These will switch existing lights around the place .

They might be muck, but if they work and if they link to Samsung smartThings then it's good value imo.

Even on its standalone app something like this will switch existing fittings in a cost effective way

Stoner

fionny wrote:

I think I might wait a while and invest later... I dont think the market is ready for the likes of me.

We'll try to give you the good and the bad here .

Loads of people recommend things simply because they bought them. However I'll call out lightwaverf , Hue, nest protect and onhub's faults. That's doesn't mean they are inferior or useless. Some faults are not that big of a deal.

But regarding home AV it's very expensive to kit out a whole house and IMO not worth it at all.

Some automation can be achieved by buying an LED fitting with an integrated motion detector on Amazon for 25 euro. Some rooms have one single automation requirement and one light level requirement.

Some automation features are purely for security this brings added value

Some end up being just for show and are gimmicks imo

As it stands I use the mood controller switch in my living room every day. It powers down my living room at night time and cost me 17 pounds.

I've a bag of sockets I can't bring myself to install because I have no practical justification or use for them. I've at least two lightwaverf sockets in my house that I've never used bar testing.

The lads here have recommended momentary switches (bell push type) these are a great idea as you can mix smart and regular accessories, unfortunately this would rule out Philips hue switches, however I'd be very very surprised if they don't do a deal with legrand soon

bk

Stoner wrote: »

It's not that TBH. I just think the coloured lights are not for me. I had a bit if a Wii time with them.

That Canary camera was a great recommendation! It's a savage device

Yup, that is probably true for the bulbs *, I use them just as white 95% of the time.

Though I do love their ability to do different white temperatures and I do use that heavily. I'd definitely go for White Ambiance over just white ones. So you are right, I could certainly live without colour in the bulbs. Though it certainly is a lot of fun during parties and thus I think worth it for the marginally extra cost over the white ambiance bulbs.

* However having said that I do heavily use the colour ability of the Bloom and Iris lamps and definitely wouldn't be without them. Their colour ability gets used every single night. Night light in the babies room, night light in our bedroom and colour effect behind the TV for TV viewing (probably recommend a Hue light strip for that, I just have a spare Bloom anyway).

Stoner

bk wrote:

* However having said that I do heavily use the colour ability of the Bloom and Iris lamps and definitely wouldn't be without them. Their colour ability gets used every single night. Night light in the babies room, night light in our bedroom and colour effect behind the TV for TV viewing (probably recommend a Hue light strip for that, I just have a spare Bloom anyway).

True I use the hue go in the same way.

bk

Stoner wrote: »

however I'd be very very surprised if they don't do a deal with legrand soon

Why do you think that? That would be fantastic.

I've Legrand plug sockets and switches in my home (non smart) and I have to say they seem to be excellent quality. It would be fantastic to see the two companies work together.

I'd love to see Philips expand the Hue range with smart plugs *, switches, sockets, relays, etc. It is the next logical step for them.

* They actually previously made a smart socket for the EU socket type, it seemingly works great with the Hue system, though they have now discontinued it.

wexfordman2

Stoner wrote: »

We'll try to give you the good and the bad here .

Loads of people recommend things simply because they bought them. However I'll call out lightwaverf , Hue, nest protect and onhub's faults. That's doesn't mean they are inferior or useless. Some faults are not that big of a deal.

But regarding home AV it's very expensive to kit out a whole house and IMO not worth it at all.

Some automation can be achieved by buying an LED fitting with an integrated motion detector on Amazon for 25 euro. Some rooms have one single automation requirement and one light level requirement.

Some automation features are purely for security this brings added value

Some end up being just for show and are gimmicks imo

As it stands I use the mood controller switch in my living room every day. It powers down my living room at night time and cost me 17 pounds.

I've a bag of sockets I can't bring myself to install because I have no practical justification or use for them. I've at least two lightwaverf sockets in my house that I've never used bar testing.

The lads here have recommended momentary switches (bell push type) these are a great idea as you can mix smart and regular accessories, unfortunately this would rule out Philips hue switches, however I'd be very very surprised if they don't do a deal with legrand soon

I put in a smart lighting and heating system into our new build nearly twenty years ago. I automated every light, and three heating zones. I didn't do any sockets at all, but had a few plug in modules which I used for a while and then abandoned.

My system is linked in to my security system, so lights can be activated based on sensor activations be they pir or door sensors etc and the response can vary based on lots of different statuses IE is it sunset, is the alarm armed disarmed it in night mode etc.

To me, with it being in place early twenty years, my wife would be very upset if it was removed or shut down, we all use it and rely on it. It's down to how you use it as well i suppose, for example the fact that it is tied to the alarm system means when we leave, enter or set the alarm to night mode, the house respond appropriately, turning off or on lights as required.

For me, the real practicality is in having all of the lights connected to the system, it would seem pointless to only do it partially.

fionny

My motivations are mostly gimicky.

We do want to replace the rather tired light switches in the house soon and we were thinking if it was possible to build smart home stuff in while we went it would be great.

The main rooms we'd probably like something would be our kitchen and sitting room...maybe the bedroom and something to control the garden lights too.

To my eyes it seems the market is still far from ready for the larger consumer group.

I am thinking for the moment I might get the Hive plugs as we are putting in Hive thermo's soon with a new boiler so at least I wont have to fork out for ANOTHER hub. I might invest in a second Echo dot for the sitting room then.

Stoner

Lutron switches on the way into smartThings

https://www.cnet.com/news/lutron-gear-will-soon-work-with-smartthings-and-the-nest-cam/

beanian

Stoner wrote: »

No they don't. I've a SONOFF unit on the way. Less than 10 euro posted. It's a 2KW , 10amp switching load ,using wifi and a 433 MHz remote.

Are you planning on installing these behind an existing wall switch? Can't seem to find any examples of someone doing this

Stoner

beanian wrote:

Are you planning on installing these behind an existing wall switch? Can't seem to find any examples of someone doing this

Or in a ceiling void , they'd work in a partition wall too.

They'd need to be in a suitable enclosure as they have live terminals.

I've no massive plans for them , just have one ordered to have a look at it.

Stoner

bk wrote:

Why do you think that? That would be fantastic.

Well legrand are usually up on this type of this, they are used in the UK, Ireland and Europe so it would work out well