I need advice on a device to control smart lighting. I already have smart bulbs installed which I control via Home Assistant. I’m using Zigbee bulbs.
I’m looking for a switch that does not physically cut off power to the bulbs, but instead sends a command to the server about the state change. I will handle the state change further in Home Assistant.
My requirements:
A switch for two wires (I don’t want to use the neutral wire because it already burned out one device for me).
Uses Zigbee protocol.
It would be nice if the device could act as a Zigbee router (230V powered devices usually do).
Ability to detect different types of presses (short, long, double short).
Can anyone recommend a device that meets these requirements? How should I connect and configure it to achieve the desired effect?
Hi,
You seem to be asking for a switch that is not a switch - which I’d suggest is a Zigbee button.
You’ve mentioned 230V, but not the country which will change answers as European and UK installation methods are different. The lack of a neutral points towards a UK ceiling rose install as this has no neutral at the switch plate.
The classic way to achieve control of a “stupid bulb” is a dummy switch plate and a RF battery button. Here’s a random 3d printed design showing the idea using Hue kit: https://www.printables.com/model/149944
Frankly, if you need a light switch in home automation, IMHO, you’re doing it wrong! The point of automation is to sense, interpret, and control so use a PIR/ mmW radar/ reed switch to control lights directly. A switch blanking plate may still be needed to keep the “stupid bulb” on.
IMHO, a small switch module behind the ceiling rose (UK) / switch (EU) is much better solution as it can access phase, neutral, load, and switch cabling without relying on the impedance of the load or not turning the normal switch OFF. Most modules can separate lighting control from switch inputs, or give a fall-back if HASS fails.
If you’re burning out devices, there’s something else wrong - often a mis-matched load (more common now as LED driver circuits vary WIDELY from resistive to capacitive loads with weird phase angles).
The country is not UK, normal European installation. I just don’t trust my neutral wire - The house is a bit old, and as far as I recall the electrical installation was done by a neighbor.
I’ve got PIR sensor to turns the lights on, but i want to be also able to power them on/off with manual button. Without turning them off physically. Also i want to replace my existing switches, to not let my quests cut the power from bulbs
The battery buttons is good idea, but if there is a way to make this “switches” also ZigBee routers, it will be better solution. If not, i will stick to buttons.
I don’t think such a mains-powered input device exists… unless you simply install something like a Sonoff Mini module and don’t connect the load output!
Frankly, my vision on home automation is exactly the opposite. A total stranger needs to be able to come in my house and operate everything as there is no home automation, and that includes have working light switches. I can switch of my HA instances, and everything must continue to work.
And I’d agree that both switches and automation are good - but for me, there’s no need to use the light switches (except during hardware failures rebuilding from cold spares).
My point is really to “think bigger” than collecting switches for everything into a smart-phone screen and call it done!
this post!