Phillips Hue - Light Switch Question

tntcoder

tntcoder

tntcoder

Soldato
Joined
7 Apr 2004
Posts
4,212
Hi,

Before I make the jump into expensive smart lighting...

What are you guys typically doing with existing light switches and face plates? The big problem I foresee is people killing the power to the lights out of habit, which basically renders the automation aspects useless.

Putting one of the Phillips dimmer switches next to the faceplates seems like an option, but I think it will still be a problem.

Removing the face plate or blanking it off doesn't sound great for emergency type situations should wifi go offline.

A nice idea I saw is a magnetic type cover/box that goes over existing switches - has anyone seen these/similar available in uk? Apparently like this :confused:

Is this actually an issue?

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
Even with a Hue dimmer switch above my main slight switch, I keep them as normal so you can still turn your lights on should you not have a phone nearby etc, or if guests are not sure.
 
This dilemma is part of the reason I've not gone done the hue route yet.

LightwaveRF appear to be the only company that offer an aesthetically pleasing answer to this by offering nice replacement switches that leave the system permanently on.

The down side is the lack of colour control...
 
McDaniel;30344510 said:
Ultimately wish I had a 3D printer for these:

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1454110
Click to expand...

You don't need a 3D printer, I designed this switch cover and am happy to print them to order. Contact me via thingiverse if you are interested.

Of course, if you are using this as some sort of 'but I NEEEED a 3D printer...' justification then fill ya boots, it's what happened to me!

Shameless plug over... resume normal programming
 
Having the same issue at the moment, putting in Hue but all our light switches throughout the house are brushed stainless touch dimmers so can't even wall mount the Hue dimmer switch next to them without it looking odd.

Thinking I'm going to have to cross fingers that people won't turn them off by habit.

A friend of mine has Hue everywhere and ended up replacing all wall switches with the following to prevent this issue:- http://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-2-way-20a-sp-secret-key-switch-white/63994?kpid=63994
 
PFarrey said:
Sorry to bump this thread, but the OP is exactly the same issue I am having. I was wondering whether anyone has since found a solution to this? The below solution would be perfect!
Click to expand...

I bought the above from eBay when @cgcrute was selling them there.
Works perfectly, good fit and looks good too.
 
Thanks, yeah it's just not quite there yet in terms of replacing standard switch covers. The concept is brilliant and just wish Philips or someone else would provide covers or full switch units in this fashion.
 
I suspect we won't see such covers as it probably isn't compliant with electrical regulations in the UK. I don't understand why nobody has come out with a proper hue compatible smart switch.
 
Excuse my ignorance but does it matter if the light switch will work with alexa / google? alexa will communicate with the philips hue?

I guess all I personally need a 'smart' light switch to do is to not turn off the power to the light bulb when the switch is in the off position. Will these Den switches do that?
 
PFarrey said:
Excuse my ignorance but does it matter if the light switch will work with alexa / google? alexa will communicate with the philips hue?

I guess all I personally need a 'smart' light switch to do is to not turn off the power to the light bulb when the switch is in the off position. Will these Den switches do that?
Click to expand...

If this was aimed at me, then for bulbs, no not so much you can tell what ever assistant you have to do whatever. My comment was really more to do with the power sockets. Instead of using an addititional socket like Kasa to control power to a device having it inbuilt to the actual faceplate would be miles better, atleast in my mind.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom