Question about switch

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soulearth
Posts: 32
Joined: Sunday 02 February 2020 11:31
Target OS: Raspberry Pi / ODroid
Domoticz version: beta
Location: France
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Question about switch

Post by soulearth »

Hello everyone.

I'm just starting home automation with the raspberry pi / zigate.
I discover and learn progressively good and bad surprises.

I installed dimmable OSRAM bulbs and dimmers ikea and what is obvious occurred to me. They must be left electrically power on, so in theory the switch must be locked/remove.

Except that a switch is still very practical. It's faster than launching a phone app and it's more intuitive for the average person.

I saw that there were wireless switches. But that means that in the event of bug/issue, I'm in the dark ...

How did you solve this problem which seems insoluble to me. Are there switches that would be both ( double fonction ) compatible with a zigbee bulb (integrated into the zigbee group) and compatible with a normal bulb (only opening the electrical circuit)?

Thank you for your help,
Bests regards
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FireWizard
Posts: 1871
Joined: Tuesday 25 December 2018 12:11
Target OS: Raspberry Pi / ODroid
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Location: Voorthuizen (NL)
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Re: Question about switch

Post by FireWizard »

Hi,

You wrote:
I installed dimmable OSRAM bulbs and dimmers ikea and what is obvious occurred to me. They must be left electrically power on, so in theory the switch must be locked/remove.
Smart bulbs or switches, in order to control them, e.g. by an app, Google Assistant or Domoticz, have to be constantly powered.
Otherwise it will not function.

However, you should not remove or lock the switches, as you should always be able to switch off the mains supply to the device. For SAFETY reasons. E.g in case of installation/maintenance works.
Except that a switch is still very practical. It's faster than launching a phone app and it's more intuitive for the average person.
Just for that reason manufacturers produce those wireless switches.
But that means that in the event of bug/issue, I'm in the dark ...
If you go for smart bulbs you have to rely on the technology. You cannot switch on a smart bulb with a conventional switch, made in the past century. However you can switch off :)

Regards
soulearth
Posts: 32
Joined: Sunday 02 February 2020 11:31
Target OS: Raspberry Pi / ODroid
Domoticz version: beta
Location: France
Contact:

Re: Question about switch

Post by soulearth »

Hello,

Thank you for response.

I understand your answer which is full of meaning.
There is one thing that bothers me a little. More complex is a technology , greater the risk of it breaking down. We can see in IT, we must provide backup and rescue plan if we want availability 7 days a week all year.
With home automation, there is a technological leap and the complexity is very present, but I don't see any back-up plan.

best regard,
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FireWizard
Posts: 1871
Joined: Tuesday 25 December 2018 12:11
Target OS: Raspberry Pi / ODroid
Domoticz version: Beta
Location: Voorthuizen (NL)
Contact:

Re: Question about switch

Post by FireWizard »

Hi,

I think that the choice for a smart home in general and smart bulbs, smart switches, etc, implicates that the technology behind it, will become more complex over time.

It is good, if you think about a backup plan.
E.g you can replace your smart bulbs with standard ones, if your hub breaks down.
But I agree, you have to think about.

Mostly, projects like smart homes, Domoticz etc, are considered by your partner as a hobby project of you, but they use it. If it does not work, you have a serious problem and only for your relation it is recommended to have a plan B :).

Regards
soulearth
Posts: 32
Joined: Sunday 02 February 2020 11:31
Target OS: Raspberry Pi / ODroid
Domoticz version: beta
Location: France
Contact:

Re: Question about switch

Post by soulearth »

Yes :lol:
Good resume of the situation.

Regards
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