Is there such a thing as an automatic light switch?

FrankFalcon

Hi all

I’m not sure if there’s such a thing as the device I am imagining. 

I am looking for a light switch for my home that looks and acts like a normal on/off light switch 99% of the time. However, the other 1%, when I go on holiday, I want to be able to switch the lounge/bedroom lights on at various, random times. I guess I’m imagining a light switch that has some clever electronics built into it. I’ve done a bit of googling and there’s a device called ‘switchbot’, but quite frankly it is bulky and a bit silly. I know I could always have a table lamp on a manual timer but I’m paranoid about this for my own reasons. Also, I want to control the main ceiling light, not a lamp. 

Any ideas guys? I’m not asking you to do the work for me. If anyone knows a product or has an idea, a web link will suffice. 

Thanks all. 

marcia_

Hive bulbs https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hive-Smart-Light-Bulb-Tuneable/dp/B0CFFN4HXZ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?adgrpid=54752376658&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bsgJmB2GGQOOGEFMUniVMsjS1VXgsDWNCoh4xRnrlVDH0AzCWqGdENGPcZtG-wJ9NIe4oBQx1L_GMjJNp28dlNguBuyPVt6-aTCtCcjx6O6BaI7tET-JnHwcSDDOMdV5uvAK4FbeyNvaHZU9czqsvbPa3l7VJh88vd7M_3tMJB3gd1zpyWvt9f5PU0OkHBGEZjycrz7kdlg-RtSKJ-NlZg1geY4F-Y2orymDKQWIAsFG6BPJjl5WQK6VXnQY2DtmhXtQktXdRQCK5SRCEnY9VQfcHTlzDmqYnywSz3iesUs.Z3SjsrzhBlPZi-ijZl_T8FcuG8hU-nKGC5myD9yvKvg&dib_tag=se&gad_source=1&hvadid=259072903578&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9046556&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=9054833810901106039--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=9054833810901106039&hvtargid=kwd-311901680067&hydadcr=10932_1739205&keywords=hive+bulb&mcid=8df61c567cab33e18fc67dd2a4a19899&qid=1765951611&sr=8-1-spons&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.95fd378e-6299-4723-b1f1-3952ffba15af&aref=d8z9zwTTi7&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

Grumpy_chap

We have a device that plugs into the ceiling rose and switches on at dusk and then off after a set time, or on a random cycle.

I understand that there are light switches available that also link to Alexa / Google Home etc automation.

Emmia

We have ZigBee lights & sensors that switch on automatically when you walk into some of our rooms, but can also be switched on/off via an app or programmed to come on at certain times.

FrankFalcon

Grumpy_chap said:

We have a device that plugs into the ceiling rose and switches on at dusk and then off after a set time, or on a random cycle.

I understand that there are light switches available that also link to Alexa / Google Home etc automation.

Sorry, should have said. The bedroom doesn’t have ceiling Rose lights. 

Emmia

FrankFalcon said:

Grumpy_chap said:

We have a device that plugs into the ceiling rose and switches on at dusk and then off after a set time, or on a random cycle.

I understand that there are light switches available that also link to Alexa / Google Home etc automation.

Sorry, should have said. The bedroom doesn’t have ceiling Rose lights. 

You can also use the bulbs in table lamps if you want, or buy ZigBee smart plugs that you plug in to the sockets powering your existing lamps and are app controlled.

https://amzn.eu/d/ieT2c1r 


OP what lighting system/method do you have currently?

You might want to read this:
https://www.home-assistant.io/integrations/zha/

Emmia

FrankFalcon said:

Hi all

I’m not sure if there’s such a thing as the device I am imagining. 

I am looking for a light switch for my home that looks and acts like a normal on/off light switch 99% of the time. However, the other 1%, when I go on holiday, I want to be able to switch the lounge/bedroom lights on at various, random times. I guess I’m imagining a light switch that has some clever electronics built into it. I’ve done a bit of googling and there’s a device called ‘switchbot’, but quite frankly it is bulky and a bit silly. I know I could always have a table lamp on a manual timer but I’m paranoid about this for my own reasons. Also, I want to control the main ceiling light, not a lamp. 

Any ideas guys? I’m not asking you to do the work for me. If anyone knows a product or has an idea, a web link will suffice. 

Thanks all. 

But in answer to your question, it's not the light switch itself you need to be thinking of (in one room we no longer use the switch, we just walk into the room and the light comes on) it's the method of either providing the light (the bulbs) or the powering of those lights (plug sockets).

Do you have Alexa / Hive already?

ritz55

I have this exact setup. What you need is a smart relay. I have a sonoff mini r4m. It goes behind your existing light switch so from the front works normally. Device connects to WiFi and can be controlled from any mobile device. 

I have my whole house connected, total of 30 devices and all going strong without a single issue so far. Had it about a year now. 

You do need neutral at the light switch. 

MyRealNameToo

FrankFalcon said:

Hi all

I’m not sure if there’s such a thing as the device I am imagining. 

I am looking for a light switch for my home that looks and acts like a normal on/off light switch 99% of the time. However, the other 1%, when I go on holiday, I want to be able to switch the lounge/bedroom lights on at various, random times. I guess I’m imagining a light switch that has some clever electronics built into it. I’ve done a bit of googling and there’s a device called ‘switchbot’, but quite frankly it is bulky and a bit silly. I know I could always have a table lamp on a manual timer but I’m paranoid about this for my own reasons. Also, I want to control the main ceiling light, not a lamp. 

Any ideas guys? I’m not asking you to do the work for me. If anyone knows a product or has an idea, a web link will suffice. 

Thanks all. 

You can get them, the one thing is that they require a neutral connection. In a modern build/recently rewired then this is fairly standard but traditionally there wasnt a neutral at the switch in the UK. They also tend to be touch switches rather than mechanical. 

We had a great one from Lifx, it would support both dumb bulbs and also smart bulbs so on the former pressing the button would physically disconnect the power whereas on the later it left the power to the smart bulb but sent the command to turn it off. Helped us as our lounge and dining area is on the same switch so we'd previously replaced the bulbs with smart so could have light on over the table but not over the sofa but was a faff with having to use app or voice command. Now they are on separate buttons. Unfortunately Lifx pulled out of the UK market but there are others out there. 

Exodi

I use Varilight V-Pro Dimmer Smart Wi-Fi switches. They don't have the horrible white plastic look of normal smart switches and come in nice finishes.

I actually already had Varilight Dimmers V-Pro beforehand (non-smart, I installed them specifically because they don't hum like other dimmers). When they realised their smart wifi range, it was a no brainer to swap them over.

You can control them by an app called 'Supla', which can be linked to Google Home/Alexa if you desire.

Switch operates manually as normal or can be controlled remotely.

ritz55 said:

I have this exact setup. What you need is a smart relay. I have a sonoff mini r4m. It goes behind your existing light switch so from the front works normally. Device connects to WiFi and can be controlled from any mobile device. 

I have my whole house connected, total of 30 devices and all going strong without a single issue so far. Had it about a year now. 

You do need neutral at the light switch. 

This was going to be my second suggestion, which doesn't even require you to swap switches.

Note if you are installing them behind your light switches (difficult as you most likely won't have a neutral or space to fit it - hence why most people try to install behind the ceiling rose were neutrals are available), you can use the 'no-neutral' version instead:

https://sonoff.tech/en-uk/collections/diy-smart-switches?filter.p.m.custom.installation=No+Neutral+Required
Note both options require Zigbee.

MyRealNameToo said:

You can get them, the one thing is that they require a neutral connection. In a modern build/recently rewired then this is fairly standard but traditionally there wasnt a neutral at the switch in the UK. 

Oh cool, I didn't know that. This must be on very new houses, unfortunately I'd imagine 95%+ of houses in the UK have no neutral at the switch currently.

Or third option OP - just get a smart plug, plug a lamp into it and voila.

Vitor

Have a look at the Shelly range, the 1L Gen3 doesn't need a neutral wire in the switched live drop to the wall switch. But you do need access to a light fitting and possibly a deeper wall box. Shelly 1L Gen3 with Bypass, Wi-Fi Smart Relay Switch, 1 Channel, 200W Max, Remote Control, No Neutral Wire Required, Flush Mounting, Controls Loads Over 5 W, Alexa & Google Home, No Hub Required : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools