I am very new to home automation and want to be sure that I pick a future proof solution/stack. I have hassio running on my Intel NUC with a zigbee stick (ConBee II) plugged in. My current Zigbee devices are the following:
Hue bulbs
Ikea tradfri bulbs
Philips smart plug
My current problem is that when I or any other person use the light switches the bulbs are disconnected from the Zigbee mesh. I am unable to remotely detect light state or to turn on a light once the switch is flipped. Switches are very handy in my opinion and I want to keep using them but I also want more control over them. Iāve read many times on the forum that a lot of you prefer smart switches over smart bulbs but I really like the color changing possibilities of both my Hue and Ikea bulbs. I donāt think it is possible with ādumbā bulbs?
I myself was thinking about
Direct wiring to the bulbs + smart switch (for example Hue dimmer switch)
ā Positive: devices are always part of the Zigbee mesh
ā Positive: direct control possible, no need to first send commands to a shelly (or any other) first
ā Negative: local network failure (extension block issues, disk crash, intruder unplugging my nucā¦) results in no control over the light
ā Negative: frustration of not being able to use existing switches, might be able to hide old switches by 3D printing covers? (saw this somewhere)
Something in between the regular switch and the bulb, for example: Shelly or Sonoff (shelly seems to have a better safety reputation over Sonoff)
ā Positive: Remote control over the actual switch (I can turn on the lights even if the switch was turned off, not possible with hue once the power is ācutā)
ā Positive: We can keep on using the existing switch
ā Positive/Negative: No power usage of inactive bulbs (might be neglectable) BUT not part of the Zigbee network once the switch is flicked
Replacing the Hue bulbs with dumb bulbs and use a shelly like dimmer switch?
Any other options?
What is in your opinion the best possible solution for a house like mine that is already wired (no major changes possible)? Is there anything related to a similar setup youāve already messed with that caused you a lot of headache so I can prevent making the same āmistakesā?
I have a similiar setup to yours, I also use smart bulbs in most places as the place I live in is rented and I would need to get an electrician to do any work on main power.
I placed a Hue Dimmer Switch next to the existing light switch and educated everyone to use the Hue Dimmer Switches to control the lights, they use the normal light switch ONLY when the Dimmer Switches donāt react (network down, HA down or whatever). In the last two years we only had to use the normal light switch for 3 days when I was migrating my system. As you mentioned there are also some 3d printed covers for the Hue Dimmer switch, that still allow you to use the normal switch.
Just adding the hue switch next to the existing switches is indeed an option but I am not sure if I am going to like the way it will look. Another issue might be that visitors are not familiar with multiple switches
I have to be honest and say that I donāt think there is a future proof set up
Home automation is a market set to explode and the standards are becoming open which will allow a lot more products with new features and different connectivities and interactions.
All you can do is pick your platform (you appear to have a reasonably solid one) and ride it till it is no longer supported or the ānew platformā (whatever that may be) justifies the investment.
Yesterday I opened a switch to check this, there seems to be a lot of wires in the box but I am not really sure if anything else will fit. I have basic electrical knowledge but have a family member who is eager to help.
Yep, Iām in the UK so not TOOOO different.
But there are no wire markings (ie live vs switched live) what does your ābrother in lawā (iām guessing but based on context and your syntax ) say about that ?
The boxes appear to be dry lining boxes so maybe you can replace them with deeper ones ?
But if your property (as in Burnings case) is rented ā¦ ???
One of my issues with smart bulbs is āwhat happens when they fail ?ā they are consumables after all.
And what do you want from a bulb (I donāt get much from any of the colour changing (led strips) in my house (I donāt much care for the disco look) I just want to be able to control the lumen output (minimising disruption during night time bathroom visits and generally matching output to a day/evening/night profile)
My wife is also insistent that she be able to control a light at the switch, and when we sell the house have it easily changed back to a dumb house as the next owner may be a 90 year old technophobe or a 30 year old tin hat wearing paranoid delusionist.
AND when Iām away when a bulb goes, not to have to pair a new bulb rename its entities and check all the automations. She just wants to take a matching bulb out of the spares box and plug it in.
So I use z wave (other switches are available) dimmable switches in the backboxes and use the switch as an input. Controlable from the wall and from HA.
However, you appear to have invested in Hue so that may not be an option for your given your already expensive investment.
Indeed there are no markings Itās not my brother in law hahah Its my girlfriends uncle He hasnāt taken a look yet. I shared the picture also on another forum and they also mentioned that the coloring for the cables is also incorrect. Iāll ask the uncle if we can replace the box if it proves to be too small. Itās my property so I can do whatever I want. At first I also was a bit skeptical about the color but it can create a really nice ambiance in my opinion. The resell thing you mentioned is indeed also a valid point, I am 26 years old and just bought this house so I am planning to stay a few more years The replacement of bulbs is also a valid point, in noooo way I see my girlfriend pairing a new bulb. Would this also work? https://shelly.cloud/wifi-smart-home-automation-shelly-dimmer/. At the moment I have 7 Hue bulbs and 2 Ikea bulb, not using them to the full potential would be a shame but something I could live with if needed.
Different strokes for different folks.
We canāt make you do anything, its really up to you any anyway only you know what you want to do, your timescales and budget.
I āassumeā you have neutrals in each box - that makes your choice of equipment easier and yes shellies would work (but they are a bit big, check out the size and compare it to the biggest replacement box you can get)
I cost a bulb on 3 hours a day so How Much did the bulb cost ? Divide that by No. of hours listed as its life, then how much you pay for electricity vs how much the bulb uses (I also calculate what the bulb/switch uses when not on but Iām OCD) then compare costs (and functionality) on a yearly basis.
I use Ā£8 Ikea Ledareās which work out at about Ā£1.73 per year to run
If you āwantā to move from Hue (very expensive for what they are but also quite adaptable) you could migrate slowly and use those in your main occupancy rooms (they will thus both be used properly and when they fail you can replace (with other kit). This isnāt a race after all. (But make sure you pick up the skills and tips from your girlfriendās Dad (or just Marry her) as ābuying inā such assistance is costly).
My issue with the Ikea Tradfri is that they always come āonā after a power fail or just a power cycle, but there are methods on the forum for dealing with that.
Burming (above) makes a valid point but it also implies that you have to maintain multiple stocks of bulbs, may not be an issue (depends on the size of your cupboards and you donāt want her fitting the wrong type )
Regardless, Iām sure youāll be getting more advice , Good Luck !
Edit: if you need to āmessā with the wiring in each box. Document what it was before (mark wires) and what you left it as. just soās you can change it back and take any expensive kit with you when you move (unless the new owners like the āsmart bitsā and make you a handsome offer, which you can then invest in āNew Kitā or a ring for your girlfriend )
I do think I have neutrals in each box, something Iāll have to check with the uncle. Indeed I can look into replacement once those bulbs die if necessary. I did not know that about the Ikea bulbs, good to know! Also good points about the marking The ring is something that has to wait for now as home automation has proven to be expensive hahaha. Thanks for all the info you provided!
) say about that ?
Itās not my brother in law hahah Its my girlfriends uncle 
He hasnāt taken a look yet. I shared the picture also on another forum and they also mentioned that the coloring for the cables is also incorrect. Iāll ask the uncle if we can replace the box if it proves to be too small. Itās my property so I can do whatever I want. At first I also was a bit skeptical about the color but it can create a really nice ambiance in my opinion. The resell thing you mentioned is indeed also a valid point, I am 26 years old and just bought this house so I am planning to stay a few more years 
The replacement of bulbs is also a valid point, in noooo way I see my girlfriend pairing a new bulb. Would this also work? 
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