Suggestion for Smart Swicthes to Automate Lights

BamOz on 06/03/2024 - 07:25

Hi Peeps,
I want to automate and control few lights in my home. I was doing some reasearch and found few modules online.

  1. A smart switch that connects to existing physical switch and sits inside the switch board -
    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/314800744096

With this I keep the consistent switch board look throughout my house but I read few comments that they can heat up and posses fire risk

  1. A touch screen panel - https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/353431914894

This one almost uses the same circuit inside and also posses fire risk but to a lesser extent. But the issue is I will have inconsistent switch board look as I am not automatimng all lights.

Please suggest if folks have used any of these or similar devices ordered online and found them Ok. Also, please help with your expert advise on what safer devices you have used to automate lights

I would probably automate 4 switches, so its ok if its fire safe and costs bit more.

Home & Garden Smart Switch

Comments

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 06/03/2024 - 07:55

    I’d go with a well known Australian supplier such as oz smart things

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/833110

    • boomramada on 06/03/2024 - 12:12

      ^ this , get Shelly or z-wave (if you have a hub)
      Very responsive, but req electrician.

      Then connect to HA.

  • Euphemistic on 06/03/2024 - 09:16

    Dont buy the cheapest, 240v products. Especially not if 'smart' they are built down to a price and may compromise safety and/or network secuity.

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 06/03/2024 - 10:51

      this.

      i draw the line at deta. (and still feel dirty about it some days)

  • sumyungguy on 06/03/2024 - 09:38
    +1

    Do you have any smart lights already? Controls are accessible within your home automation platform/app, whichever one you choose. Also consider that smart lighting is a paradigm shift. In my household we don't use wall switches any more, lighting is controlled by automations, motion sensors and voice.

    • BamOz on 06/03/2024 - 09:40

      No, I dont have smart lights but thats a good option

      • sumyungguy on 06/03/2024 - 09:47
        +1

        First decision: Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit or other? Second consideration: what smart devices are you planning to have? Beyond lighting you can integrate motion sensors, security cameras, power outlets, blind motors, etc.

        • BamOz on 06/03/2024 - 15:59

          new
          At the moment, my requirement is to ensure I can turn in few lights from my phone ( automate a schedule) while I am away.

          Haven't thought of voice controls etc but thats for later.

          I just want to understand if there are any other alternative safer(fire rated) switches or should the ones I listed do the job as in there is fire risk but not high

          • sumyungguy on 06/03/2024 - 18:28

            @BamOz: You don't need switches. The smart functionality is integral to the luminaires.

      • AustriaBargain on 06/03/2024 - 11:30

        You'll probably find Philips Hue has the most accessories available if you want physical controls around the house. LIFX bulbs are higher quality though, can dim them right down to barely visible whereas Hue only goes down to like 30%.

        • SydStrand on 06/03/2024 - 13:09

          Philips Hue is great, but gets expensive once you've 'bought in' to the ecosystem. If the OP is starting from scratch and doesn't mind some DIY set-up, then I'd recommend looking into Home Assistant on Raspberry Pi.

  • geekcohen on 06/03/2024 - 09:58

    Anything that works with the Tuya app is a good start. I've got a mixture of Tuya based apps and lights which work well for my house automation. I don't use home automation, just the app and sensor triggers.

    The Arlec products are Tuya based, so you can turn an existing switch/outlet into a smart one and control it via the app. I am going to slowly do this in my house.

    • BamOz on 06/03/2024 - 15:59

      new
      At the moment, my requirement is to ensure I can turn in few lights from my phone ( automate a schedule) while I am away.

      Haven't thought of voice controls etc but thats for later.

      I just want to understand if there are any other alternative safer(fire rated) switches or should the ones I listed do the job as in there is fire risk but not high

      • geekcohen on 06/03/2024 - 16:28

        Haven't thought of voice controls etc but thats for later.

        Whilst it is for later, think long term and go for a solution that is going to work for the future.

        At the moment, my requirement is to ensure I can turn in few lights from my phone ( automate a schedule) while I am away.

        Again, I would look at something Tuya-based like Arlec. I am similar to you have lights on smart switches or smart downlights. All of which I control on my phone and have automation for. I open the front door and all my front lights come on. I open the garage door (which also has a Tuya based controller on it), the garage lights turn on. I completely understand what your aim is, but think longer term and go with something that is flexible all from 1 app because trying to find one brand to do everything could be costly or hard.

        My Tuya app is made up or Arlec, Mirabello, TP Link and a few others.

  • DGrayson82 on 06/03/2024 - 11:01
    +1

    I havent got them installed yet but I'll most likely be going with Mercator Ikuu's once my house has finished building.

    https://www.ikuu.com.au/

    • ozbargainsam on 06/03/2024 - 18:35

      Sweet. I've been looking for something like this for a while. And it has retrofit switches - nice!

      This might get expensive.

  • johnwarburton on 06/03/2024 - 14:48
    +1

    May I suggest reading Troy Hunt’s epic IOT series. It answers your immediate question (Shelley switches) and shows the challenges he had along the way with IOT so you don’t have to repeat them. Good luck

    https://www.troyhunt.com/iot-unravelled-part-1-its-a-mess-bu…

  • BamOz on 06/03/2024 - 15:58

    At the moment, my requirement is to ensure I can turn in few lights from my phone ( automate a schedule) while I am away.

    Haven't thought of voice controls etc but thats for later.

    I just want to understand if there are any other alternative safer(fire rated) switches or should the ones I listed do the job as in there is fire risk but not high

  • BamOz on 06/03/2024 - 22:50

    Could someone recommend a smart switch that goes behind the regular switch board and are fire safe. I read in US and Canada they are UL certified and looked up few shelly switches on Amazon but they don't mention any certifications.

    Any specific wifi smart switch model that is fire safe even if it is expensive is fine with me. I will may be stick to 2-3 switches. Pls help with your suggestions on

    1. Brand and model
    2. Local pickup or available through ebay/ amazon
    • sumyungguy on 06/03/2024 - 23:35

      Members in these forums are generally trying to help, but you appear not to be listening. Consumer-grade smart home products, especially lights are readily available and don't require fitting by an electrical contractor. You could simply connect lamps via smart power outlets to schedule internal lighting and audio devices while you're away. For external lighting you could swap out existing globes for smart versions.

      • BamOz on 07/03/2024 - 10:43

        Cool. Thanks. Will go and explore some options at Bunnings

        • sumyungguy on 07/03/2024 - 11:11

          Perhaps a better range at JB Hi-Fi, if you're an iPhone user you want HomeKit-compatible

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join