Remote control of outdoor led lights

[RickH]

I’d like to run a pair of LED light strings (fairy lights)
To avoid having to walk to sockets to switch on … would like to consider ‘smart sockets’

A Google around showed ‘BG Storm Smart Control’ as one option.

Is this the best option, or are there others to consider…. would be nice to have an App to control them, maybe interface to Alexa in future (but not vital). Simple remote control would suffice.

 

[foxhole]

Simple solution is a plug in smart socket rather than changing your socket

 

[RickH]

Not sure what that is do you have a suitable link ?
Have plenty of sockets in an outbuilding, had thought of adding new one ... but open to other plans.

Do you mean like one of these - or is there a better option ?

Quinetic 13 Amp Socket Adaptor Receiver | Quinetic (QUA313)

 

[Taylortwocities]

Not sure what that is do you have a suitable link ?
Have plenty of sockets in an outbuilding, had thought of adding new one ... but open to other plans.

Do you mean like one of these - or is there a better option ?

Quinetic 13 Amp Socket Adaptor Receiver | Quinetic (QUA313)

That would work, but you have to buy a Quinetic switch as well.
Buy one of the SmartLife/Tapo enabled smart sockets then all you need is an app. Or Amazon smart socket. All controllable from Alexa If you want to go there later.

 

[RickH]

Is that SmartLife rather than Quinetic? both new to me sn not sure what fits/works where

Anybody aware of a primer or similar so I can get myself up to speed.

 

[Taylortwocities]

SmartLife is an app for a smartphone.
It can control quite a lot of smart sockets.


The Quinetic smart socket is a separate solution. Quinetic smart sockets work with a Quinetic smart switch. So you’d have to buy two things.
You can link Quinetic to WiFi snd hence to smartphone/Alexa. But you’d need a Quinetic wi-if receiving controller.

For what you want to do, go for a cheap smart socket.

 

[RickH]

Thnx ..I'll do some searching on SmartLife.
Presume the one I mentioned 'BG' is another bespoke format.
Need to choose the right one

 

[DetlefSchmitz]

Before you commit yourself, make sure to read the negative reviews on Amazon. It's interesting what you may be signing away by using the app.

 

[Taylortwocities]

I have a number of devices controlled by SmartLife.
I have had no negative problems.

The BG stuff appears to be proprietary.

Re EXTERNAL sockets. Bear in mind that they only waterproof when the front cover is shut. A lot of LED string lights come with a chunky “wall wart” power supply plug. You can’t close the cover with most of those things.

 

[RickH]

Thanks and comment on psu noted

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Simple solution is a plug in smart socket rather than changing your socket

The plug-ins have the advantage that when they occasionally crash, as they all do seem to do, you can just unplug/switch off the power to the Smart Plug, to reboot it. Built into the socket, you would need to use an alternative way to reboot it.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Thnx ..I'll do some searching on SmartLife.
Presume the one I mentioned 'BG' is another bespoke format.
Need to choose the right one

Alexa can work with a variety of Smart Plugs.

 

[foxhole]

I use these , had no drop outs always reliable .

5X Smart WIFI Plug Socket Power Switch APP Control Timer Amazon Alexa/Google UK | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 5X Smart WIFI Plug Socket Power Switch APP Control Timer Amazon Alexa/Google UK at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Sureitsoff?]

if you can plug them in in the outbuilding would something simple like this work

White Wireless Remote Control Mains Sockets with 30m Range - Pack of 2 | eBay

Remote : range up to 30m (clear line of sight). Easily turn those hard to reach plug sockets on & off. Quantity in set 2 sockets, 1 remotes. Red light indicator on plugs to notify you of power. 2 pcs Wireless remote socket.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I use these , had no drop outs always reliable .

5X Smart WIFI Plug Socket Power Switch APP Control Timer Amazon Alexa/Google UK | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 5X Smart WIFI Plug Socket Power Switch APP Control Timer Amazon Alexa/Google UK at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

I have eight of those and I've had them crash / drop out/ fail to respond several times.