Smart light bulbs

330d

I am planning on getting a couple of smart light bulbs for my but have a couple of questions. My reason for them i can switch on a bulb remotely when no one is at home.

But i just realized that I dont think i can do this if the wall socket of that particular light is off. Is this correct? If so, is there a workaround? 

pramsay13

You can get smart sockets that can be operated remotely, so you could just plug a lamp into them but if the main power is off they won't work.

330d

But even then I cant control that lamp via its own switch for the smart functions to work properly.

Going back to my first question, do I need smart switches?

Cornucopia

If you just want a light to come on and switch off when you aren't home, then a simple time switch with an uplighter or table-lamp is a much simpler and cheaper solution.

Smart switches are another possible alternative.   You'd need to get the correct type for your particular application and wiring.

Smart bulbs are probably overkill for what you want to do, and also may require a third-party app or service in order to get them working remotely, which may have an additional cost involved. 

forgotmyname

TP LInk or similar sockets and no need for smart bulbs. Control the socket from anywhere with internet access
or set timers etc.

Carrot007

I find bulbs the best. Leave the light switch on and just use the app.

I do prefer the ones with changable colour. Not particularly becuase I want to put the red light on but more becuase they have adjustable white temperature. Sometimes I want yellow, sometimes I want the harsh blue. And of course the ones I get work for others in the house (say people looking after it while you are away) if they switch twice. Just let them know!

I have some sockets too, mostly for lamps, just leave the lamp on and control the socket.

330d

Thank you for all the replies. With what I am trying to do, I think the best thing is a lamp and a smart plug. So will forget about the smart bulbs.

RumRat

I have both and both work perfectly with remote access and timing via the app. There is no problem leaving the lights switched on if a smart bulb is at the end of it any more than having a smart plug.
That said, the majority of my house is lit with lamps using smart plugs. When away, the timers are set to make it look like we are moving through the house occasionally.  

pramsay13

330d said:

But even then I cant control that lamp via its own switch for the smart functions to work properly.

Going back to my first question, do I need smart switches?

The smart sockets I have (TP link) can be controlled by the switch on the socket or by the app (or with a smart speaker).
As long as the main power to the unit is left on it will work fine. 
So even if you switch it off at the socket you can use the app or smart speaker to turn it back on again.

Ant555

330d said:

Going back to my first question, do I need smart switches?

I have a smart plug - originally used for the Christmas tree lights so I didnt have to scramble behind the telly for the wall switch where the lights were plugged in.  "Hey Google, turn on Christmas"  

I now have it plugged into a floor lamp and use it for two reasons.
1- Switching on the light if we are out later than planned.
2 - If im at the takeaway then I use the app to buzz the lights on and off 2 times so everyone in the house knows im on the way back!

330d

Just going back to my original question. I have found some smart switches which look well priced - https://www.moeshouse.com/collections/eu-smart-switch/products/wifi-smart-light-switch-push-button-smart-life-tuya-app-remote-control-works-with-alexa-google-home-for-voice-control-2-gang

So I am now thinking of getting these instead of the smart bulbs. They are about the same price and more importantly do the job that I am looking for which is remote turn on/off.