Switch controlled by Alexa

GDB2222

I installed a couple of switches to control the under cupboard lights in the kitchen. One of them has stopped working.  The ones I used were Sonoff BasicR3. 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07WFM246Q

They have been okay, although I am disappointed to have a 50% failure rate in 3 years.

Should I use something different this time around?

forgotmyname

Are you sure it's the switches?  Alexa is often temperamental, responds with OK to turn swtches on and off but does not actually
send the signal.

Switched to the manufacturers app to turn them on and off and they work but Alexa just says OK and does nothing, usually removing
power to the switch for a minute or so and then connecting them back fixes the Alexa bug.  No idea why it does it though?

GDB2222

The switch has a manual on off button on it, and that often needs several presses. So, it’s likely there’s something wrong inside the switch.

forgotmyname

Unplug from the mains, just using the on/off does not cut power to the switch itself only the output.

It worked with my old plugs but forgot the brand and it works with my Belkin and TP-Link P110's. 

I thought the new plugs had failed but swapping one out from the pack of 4 and it worked for a day or so and failed again
putting the original one back and that worked fine for almost a year before having to unplug and plug it
in again which seems to cure it.

I know after a powercut the plugs startup faster than the router/wifi so they sometimes hang.

GDB2222

forgotmyname said:

Unplug from the mains, just using the on/off does not cut power to the switch itself only the output.

It worked with my old plugs but forgot the brand and it works with my Belkin and TP-Link P110's. 

I thought the new plugs had failed but swapping one out from the pack of 4 and it worked for a day or so and failed again
putting the original one back and that worked fine for almost a year before having to unplug and plug it
in again which seems to cure it.

I know after a powercut the plugs startup faster than the router/wifi so they sometimes hang.

I really just wanted a recommendation for an alternative brand.

The present one is hard-wired, so the easiest way to turn it off and on again is to flick the MCB for the kitchen ring main. (There's probably a fused connector unit somewhere at the back of one of the kitchen cupboards, but that would mean emptying stuff out to find it.)  I'd rather just change it for one that works reliably - like the other one does.

forgotmyname

Take your pick of any decent brand but the Alexa is the weak link.  For some odd reason it just says OK but does nothing. 

If you go through the troubleshooting it will say its your device at fault but simply cutting power to it fixes it, if it was one plug then
OK it maybe temperamental but sets of 4 or 6 and 5 different brands from the more costly to the budget brands from CPC etc.
all had the same problem.

Helps if your router starts before the plugs after a power cut so our router is now on a UPS.

GDB2222

forgotmyname said:

Take your pick of any decent brand but the Alexa is the weak link.  For some odd reason it just says OK but does nothing. 

If you go through the troubleshooting it will say its your device at fault but simply cutting power to it fixes it, if it was one plug then
OK it maybe temperamental but sets of 4 or 6 and 5 different brands from the more costly to the budget brands from CPC etc.
all had the same problem.

Helps if your router starts before the plugs after a power cut so our router is now on a UPS.

"Take your pick of any decent brand"  - could you kindly suggest a couple of decent brands, please.

ballyblack

I use TP link Kasa...............pretty bullet proof.

Sonoff was temperamental for me

forgotmyname

Currently I have TP-Links, the Belkins were also fine though.

My latest plugs use the Tapo app.

Mnoee

Edit: just actually clicked the link of what you've been using and seen it's just a switch, I thought you meant plug with smart switch. Maybe their standalone switches are fine, but I'll leave my comment incase it's helpful for anyone else. 

My partner used Tapo plugs for his fish tank lights, just on a timer, no alexa or similar, and both had mechanical faults within a year. It's not difficult to find advice online to hit them against walls/window ledges if and when they stop working, which does seem to 'fix' them for a while. 

He's switched to a non smart timer now, so unfortunately I can't recommend something good, but just a mild warning against the budget tapo ones!

FreeBear

The Shelly devices have a strong following. Perhaps the Mini might do the job for you. or if you want to record the amount of power being used, the PM Mini.

When you are ready to move away from Alexa, you can flash either with custom firmware and integrate in to a home automation system.