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Advice Needed - To Hue/Bridge or Not to Hue/Bridge

  • 25-11-2019 02:20PM
    #1
    VUDuo2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 165 ✭✭


    I’ve started on the long, but enjoyable road of IOT devices, by purchasing a Nest Thermostat, Nest Protect and some TP lInk smart plugs.
    (The smart plugs activate strip-lights underneath the TV presses – on at sunset off at 11pm)

    I also have 2 x TP Link (2 Ethernet Port) Pass-through Powerline Plugs
    One connected to the modem/router and the other in the living room connecting the TV and Sat Receiver.

    Now I’d like to automate the following and need advice re same;
    • lighting in my hall
    • fit an outside light & sensor over the front door,
    • and in the very near future add some security devices
    (door & window motion sensors and a bell box alarm)

    Hall Lighting:
    (see pics 1 & 2):

    At the moment there’s 5 x gu10 bulbs, activated by the 1st switch from the left (see pic1)
    The 2nd switch activates a non-smart, PIR-connected bulb inside the porch.

    I haven’t a clue if there's neutral wire behind the switch?
    As I understand it, no neutral wire means a hub/bridge is required??

    If I have to purchase a HUE/Bridge then a must for me is that it is Google/Nest compatible

    If the light switch can be replaced with a smart type (but no HUE/bridge) – then what’s best ??

    I’d like the lights here to turn on, post sunset/dusk under various scenarios and they should turn off if no one is in the hall after 1 minute.

    Porch – Outdoor Sensor & Light:
    Inside, the porch has one electrical socket, which I’m replacing with a double.
    (At the moment my modem/router is here but I’m moving it into the kitchen).
    Plan is to connect another TP-Link Powerline plug but this one will have built in WiFi extender.

    What I’d like to create here is that when, from dusk/sunset onwards, someone approaches the front door from the outside, the new outdoor sensor activates the new light and if possible one of the living room strip-lights turns off & then back on.

    Also, from the inside, when someone approaches / opens the front door, the outdoor light is activated

    Re-wiring the light switches is not an option & if possible I’d prefer not to go the Hub/bridge route (cost wise) but if it simplifies/future proofs overall what I want to do, then so be it.

    Decisions to be made prior to the “discounts” that comes with black-Friday don’t you know.

    Such 3rd world problems !!!


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