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Integrate physical switches and smart devices with Homey
A bit of a confusing topic title perhaps, but here is what I am trying to solve:
- Smart devices (for example Hue light bulbs) which need constant power in order to manage them with Homey
- Combined with wallswitches in order to make sure you can still switch them whenever there is an issue with Homey, or connectivity (albeit in limited functionality, default on/off action)
- But also be able to switch them on or off via the wallswitch without interrupting the continues powersupply to the device.
The thing is though, when you use a traditional wall switch, once the device is off it can no longer be managed from Homey. The solution I have thought of so far is to use a dual wall switch like:
Where you basically always use the z-wave button to switch a light on or off (would this work with Homey?). Whenever there is an issue with the "smart" way of controlling the device, you can fall back to the physical switch until you resolve any issues.
My question, how are you addressing these kinds of challenges? Anyone got a better idea? Better/cheaper switches? Would this work with "hotel style" switches?
Does anyone have experience with Livolo switches? I think they look nice. But I cant figure out if I could use them in any way to achieve the above goals.
Comments
If you search the forum you can find multiple threats about this.
You can use z-wave for a solution but also Klik-Aan-Klik-Uit. Depends on the money you will spend and the functions you want to have. Homey is able to do almost everything with both.
I don't have any experience with Livolo.
Thing to consider is that you'd want to stick with "one" type of device when you are configuring a Homey independent (possible) system. So if you add a lamp somewhere, use at least one matching switch to control it. When you use these kind of switches you should no longer use the "old" wallswitch to control it but instead replace these with the new switches.
Fun fact, most 433Mhz/Kaku and Zwave switches are battery powered and can be placed anywhere with screws or double sided tape.
For example I removed the two (hotel style) switches from my hallway and connected the cable directly with "lasdoppen" to my light socket. Then I fitted a Kaku/Coco light bulb socket between the light and the bulb and added two WST-8800 (switches) on the wall where my old switch used to be. Now I can control the light from both sides of the room and /Homey.
Edit:
Tl;dr tip -> use one system to control one action for reliability
This has been a big reason why I haven't yet adopted 'smart' lights, and I'm still not sure on how to 'properly' do it. I would be happiest if there was a small wireless 'thing' to put behind my lightswitch, that would work as a multiway switch, but I still haven't found anything that would suit me. Tried a few generic types, and always returned them... I'll keep this topic bookmarked, thanks for actually posting the question!
I have the same way of integrating my domotica: it still has to work when Homey is on a firmware update ;-)
That's why I have bought one of these:
http://www.robbshop.nl/z-wave-schakelaar-duro-2000-met-2-uitgangen-2x1700watt-577
This will replace your switch entirely!
It does need the blue wire to supply power to the switch but in most cases this isn't a problem since blue is already in the central wire box (dutch: centraaldoos) in most cases behind the light.
When not connected to any Zwave network they will still switch the light.
But when connected it sends a signal through Zwave when it's switched on by using the switch so Homey/Zwave network is always up to date.
Since I already have Busch-Jaeger Duro 2000 creme this is a perfect switch!
It will also work as a node/bridge to expand the Zwave network!
There is also a single switch:
http://www.robbshop.nl/z-wave-me-inbouwschakelaar-busch-jaeger-duro-2000
Dimmer:
http://www.robbshop.nl/z-wave-me-dimmer-schakelaar-busch-jaeger-duro-2000
Screens:
http://www.robbshop.nl/z-wave-me-rolluikschakelaar-busch-jaeger-duro-2000
Hi @RobinVanKekem, I think we may have talked about this in a different topic here already. I looked into them, even contacted robbshop about it... Even though they are pretty expensive for me, I would be able to bite the bullet before I move (right now I need only 6 switches for my apartment... But the problem here is that I have these switches that have weird types, and most are doubled (like in the picture).
I also have one for controlling the blinds, which from reading here on the forum and different forums throughout the web are some type that none really recognizes or supports... (press (not hold) to activate one direction, press other direction to stop, and auto stop when fully closed/opened... they work on 24V, and have black switches. no access to motors to check dc/ac or motor type)... and using something like what you linked wouldn't really work there - I would probably have to do something ugly like buy new single switch plate for the blinds (which would still have to be manual!!) and then add the z wave switch next to it..... I just need to wait I guess for a nicer, more robust and functional solution