UnearthedUnusual

joined 2 years ago
[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago

In case you don't feel like doing electrical work on some of them or find that the price of some of the options are too much, I wanted to suggest the ThirdReality Zigbee smart switch. They also sell them in four packs so you can save money. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0CRB18DHG?psc=1

Where it fits with your requirements:

  • You can press it like a regular light switch (button-style) any time if you want to use it like a regular light switch
  • Goes over an existing light switch. So, you don't need to deal with electrical stuff.
    • Can take them off the existing switch and flip the actual light switch manually if the whole smart switch fails
      • It does take mild effort to snap the device off the wall, but you don't need a screwdriver, just your hands and determination
  • Better price than what you linked, and sold in multi-packs for cost savings since it sounds like you want to buy a lot of switches

Where it may not fit:

  • Maybe your wife will not think this looks like a light switch? Maybe show her one online first, or only buy one to show her.
  • The aesthetics can look kind of weird depending on the existing light switch plates
    • Could make the aesthetics nicer by changing out the light switch plates to match the smart switch, which could be reasonably cheap
  • Make sure it will fit all of your light switches. If you have non-standard sizes because the prior homeowners were free spirits, the device may not fit. They do have a kit to help with a small range of sizes.
    • I bought one first and tested it/measured it with all the light switches to make sure it fit first

Some info you did not ask for that may also be helpful to you/others:

ThirdReality suggests buying a hub with them but if you have a USB zigbee dongle you don't need it. Like this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0D737SJ5G?psc=1

I found the connection was a little inconsistent behind walls at first, but after adding a sufficiently thick USB extension cable to help lessen connection issues from interference they have worked really well. For longer distances/through lots of walls you may also want to have Zigbee smart plugs here and there/other Zigbee devices that plug into outlets that can repeat the signal and strengthen your connection.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Only until the next customer steps up, then what they have is another hole to feed.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 10 months ago

thank mr skeltal