Hello,
I want to replace all my Nexxt Smart WiFi Wall Switches.
However, I’m having trouble finding a wall switch that works reliably locally. At first, I thought the Kasa HS200 would work, but I’ve now read that it’s also having problems with the new firmware. Is there a reliable solution?
Thanks.
Look if athome or Shelly has any.
I wouldn’t trust any other brand.
Do you not have Zigbee or Zwave?
They are local for sure.
Are you planning to use it with Zigbee or Thread? Or just wifi?
I’ll check out Athome. Shelly has modules (I just ordered some) but no wall switches.
I have a Wi-Fi mesh network. The property is large, so I think switching to Zigbee or Z-Wave would be complicated.
Thanks.
I have a Wi-Fi mesh network. The property is large, so I think switching to Zigbee or Z-Wave would be complicated.
Thanks.
zwave or zigbee is best
If needed you can add remote zwave/zigbee controllers
wifi will lead you down a road of problems for wall switches.
For other device types wifi is OK
I like the Meross switches for Wi-Fi. I use them with the HomeKit integration in HA. You don’t need any Apple apps or devices to use HomeKit with HA.
The Shelly relays are good too. You just add them to your existing switches.
Doesnt meross require an app for setup?
I can’t remember since it’s been a couple of years since I installed the switches. You certainly don’t need to use the app once they are installed.
The problem with most wifi switches is they require an app for setup. The problem with that is
what happens if app becomes unavailable for setup
at any moment they can decide to require you use app for everything
I simply dont like installing random apps
Some devices setup a local AP (old method) but apps are pretty much standard
Matter is supposed to change this but at the same time, vendor can still decide that all functions are not supported without app or support drop.
The other thing about the wifi switches is that they tend to have connected stranded wire vs screw terminal for connections. I really hate this because stranded wire tears like crazy in the yellow/red screw on connectors used for AC line wiring and screw terminals are just overall better. I think the one I used were sonoff and look to be same as the meross.
Matter requires Local control (no cloud dependency)
But the manufacturer can:
I don’t understand all of the excitement about Matter. What does Matter bring to the party that we don’t already enjoy with WiFi, Z-Wave or Zigbee devices? Why pay the extra money for a Matter device?
Is there a compelling argument for Matter?
If you are referring to wire nuts, then you are using them wrong. I’ve never had a problem wiring a smart switch to #14 solid wire using wire nuts. If I didn’t already have a few hundred wire nuts left over from my last remodel I would be using Wago 221 Series Connectors. They are specifically rated for solid, stranded and fine-stranded conductors from 10-24AWG.
Properly torqued, yes. Do you use a torque screwdriver? Did you know that fixture manufactures have a torque rating for screw terminals. When I see an outlet failure, it is usually from a loose screw terminal. You will never have that with properly used wire nuts or Wago connectors.
I would have a hard time finding a switch that requires a cloud connection. Even for setup.
I am using the MOES Zigbee Smart Switch. (The link is for a 3-gang switch, but each switch is separate and will fit any one-gang box. They are just cheaper buying them this way).
You detailed it better but I was not advocating for matter. I was just saying the setup is cleaner but manufacturer still has control in ways you wont expect (as you detailed)
Yes. wire nuts. Never had a problem with them. I just do not like using wire nuts with the maybe 14 awg stranded wire that they put on the wifi switches. Personal preference.
Yes. everything (screw/bolts/etc has a torque rating published or not.)
Sometimes I care and follow them, Sometimes I do not and guesstimate. Just depends on safety risk and inconvenience risk.
All fail. properly used anything will be less likely to fail.
I just dont like the maybe 14awg stranded used on the wifi outlets with wire nuts. Personal preference with no real technical reasoning.
I have a ton of wire nuts at home so I usually end of grabbing when needed.
Commercial install I use the wago or other items.
Any points/arguments explaining your thoughts about why in particular wifi wall switches would lead to problems? Just wondering because we have plenty of wifi (wall) switches and most (10+) of them were installed already 5 years ago. The road was long and no signs of any problems so far 
Maybe I was just lucky having them all super charged with ESPHome and configured for maximum resilience? 
Most of them are actually still powered by good old esp82xx’s which now got just more improvements with the most recent esphome release 
Aren’t Next switches using esp8266? You could just save money and flash custom firmware on them like tasmota or esphome
Good points. Along with Zigbee and Z-Wave, another way to ensure local control is ESPHome. I didn’t realize some switches, especially Next, could be flashed. If WiFi is a requirement, that might be a good option.
Not to dump on Matter, but from what I’ve read here the jury is still out as to whether or not manufacturers will take advantage of loopholes in the standard which allow them more control than some of us here would like. What we do know for sure is that we’ve been burned before by manufacturers who drop support, go out of business, move to a subscription model or otherwise take away local control.
I chose KNX which is built for this. Theben radio models and wire models mixed to same bus. And they’re great.
I have been using Tasmotized devices that are designed around the ESP chips.(These can also be made to be ESPHome)
The software is great. Devices are automatically discovered in HA.
DIY is a dual edged sword. Cost less but takes more time.
I have found that a lot of WiFi devices (20+) can cause mysterious problems with home routers. I’ve abandoned my one Zigbee device because it kept disconnecting. My Z-Wave devices work well, once I get them working.
I also use MySensors. It works the best for my DIY projects (Low Cost Energy meter, remote soil moisture sensor). Support is minimal, but the documentation is good.
I have a number of Insteon devices. I got these before SmartHome started having problems. They work the best because they are independent of a controller, but can be controlled by one.
Good luck with your project!
They already do.
Matter defines a minimal common language. Manufacturers must expose basic features that exist in the spec. Thermostat: Mode, Setpoint, Fan. Locks: Lock/Unlock, PIN management. Lighting: on/off, brightness, color. Philips Hue: Gradient control and power-on behavior are all hub only. Aqara FP2 exposes only occupation. Zones, room mapping, sensitivity and multi-person tracking requires their hub.
Anything outside that, including OTA in many cases, requires the manufacturer’s hub.
The only problem is need for app and potential vendor control over install/function.
If you can install esphome or tasmota(no experience but hear good things) on device it changes all. I specifically mean avoid any switch that requires third party app for install only. This may require technical skill so easy recommendation is Zigbee or zwave because just works (I use docker and VMs work but my recommendation is always direct install HAOS unless they seem like dragon slayers or special case)
Matter devices may be an exception but no guarantee long term so I don’t recommend for permanent install like switch. Sure. Bulbs and temporary items are OK
Wifi device with AP mode setup (no app) or ability to install esphome. I’m All for it.