We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

Smart Lights or Switch

13»

Comments

  • lky2k23 wrote: »
    I need pi 3 and the device you sent above?
    Watched a few videos on youtube but worried it's coding which I know <b>nothing<b>

    You can use a RaspberryPi but I have a Mac Mini which I use as a home server.

    No programming knowledge necessary, a bit of IT knowledge perhaps to set up the Domoticz server.

    Or you could just use the official LightwaveRF Wifi link which will be easier, but less flexible.
  • lky2k23
    lky2k23 Posts: 302 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    Are they mains voltage? If so, there's loads of compatible bulbs.

    Edit: if you're using the inline relay (the non dimming one) then there shouldn't be any compatibility issues - it's just a switch.

    I have 2 wires behind the switch :-/ can I dm/email you some pics for help?

    Thanks
    Just have a little faith
  • lky2k23 wrote: »
    I have 2 wires behind the switch :-/ can I dm/email you some pics for help?

    Thanks

    I'm not an electrician so not really comfortable giving out private advice. If you're not confident with what you're doing I recommend you stop and get one in. That said...

    There is, unfortunately, a flaw in my original suggestion to use an inline relay instead of a LightwaveRF dimmer switch which I forgot about (I'm surprised LWRF didnt mention this though) - the relay requires a live and neutral supply. You would feed the live and neutral into the relay and then, because the L1/L2 are volts free wire a small jumper cable from common to L1. You then connect your light fitting to the L1 and N on the relay.

    It's uncommon in the UK to have a neutral at the switch - normally there's just a switch cable carrying live to the switch and switched live back to the light.

    I would suggest returning the inline relays I'm afraid unless you're willing to get an electrician in to wire in the relays, blank off the old unused switch and install the new wireless switches.

    If you're able to replace your bulbs with compatible dimming bulbs then fitting a LightwaveRF dimmer switch and paring with the wireless switch is still by far the easiest option.
  • victor2
    victor2 Posts: 8,173 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 23 July 2017 at 7:14AM
    lky2k23 wrote: »
    I have 2 banks of GU10 led's in my kitchen, but the light switches aren't in the places they should be.

    I want to move the switch without rewiring if possible.

    I know about ikea and philips smart lights, but is there any solution to make the switch 'smart' and relay it with a new switch? Any I've found are US based only.
    You could look at these products.
    Put a "Smartwares Built in Power Switch" where the existing wall switch is - if there is room. If there isn't it may have to go elsewhere in the lighting circuit, such as in the circuit in the ceiling to those lights. Then use the wireless single gang wallswitch, which requires no wiring at all and can be placed anywhere in that room.
    I have some of the older Home Easy products - different remotes and receivers - and they work well.

    Edit: There are double gang wireless wall switches as well, if you want to keep the two circuits separate.

    I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the In My Home MoneySaving, Energy and Techie Stuff boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. 

    All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.

  • victor2 wrote: »
    You could look at these products.
    Put a "Smartwares Built in Power Switch" where the existing wall switch is - if there is room. If there isn't it may have to go elsewhere in the lighting circuit, such as in the circuit in the ceiling to those lights. Then use the wireless single gang wallswitch, which requires no wiring at all and can be placed anywhere in that room.
    I have some of the older Home Easy products - different remotes and receivers - and they work well.

    Edit: There are double gang wireless wall switches as well, if you want to keep the two circuits separate.

    These don't look any different to the LightwaveRF relays and would still require a neutral at the switch.
  • victor2
    victor2 Posts: 8,173 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    These don't look any different to the LightwaveRF relays and would still require a neutral at the switch.
    Good point. Had overlooked that!
    You would have to put the receiver in the ceiling where you could pick up a neutral line.

    I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the In My Home MoneySaving, Energy and Techie Stuff boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. 

    All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.

  • lky2k23
    lky2k23 Posts: 302 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    I've emailed Lightwaverf directly to see why our phone call was so different to the reality.
    Just have a little faith
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 351.7K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.4K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 454K Spending & Discounts
  • 244.7K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 600.2K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 177.3K Life & Family
  • 258.4K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.2K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.