Wifi Relay Switches

[NewhouseOldhouse]

Hi

I have a single switch to turn on/off outside lights.

What is the best wifi relay product to use in the loft so I can control on/off via mobile and set timings etc..

Thanks

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I use one, for that purpose, plus others for other purposes... Electric blanket, a small drive light, bigger drive lights, Christmas Tree lights, and etc.. Either remote control via phone, or programmed control.

Look up Alexa compatible smart plugs, and switches. I paid around £6 each for them, when I bought them..

 

[ericmark]

Range is the first question, lucky I had smart devices I could try, I took a standard lamp to the shed where the outside lamp is, and tested to see if a smart bulb would work at that distance, and it would.

However, the new lamp was BA22d bulb, and I only had E27 smart bulbs in stock, so used a smart socket adaptor instead, other options are smart relays, and smart switches. And yes, I always look for works with Google home.

I like the Tapo (TP-Link) smart switch, as it needs no neutral, and does not use the current through the bulb, so can switch a PIR lamp, it has a small AAA battery in it. But if a smart bulb will work, then keep it simple, fit a smart bulb.

 

[NewhouseOldhouse]

I was thinking something like this

https://amzn.eu/d/7xOm5HU

Or

https://amzn.eu/d/cNrkvtc

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I was thinking something like this

Yep, either of those!

 

[NewhouseOldhouse]

Yep, either of those!

I take its only a matter of isolating lights and spilting cable in loft then installing this relay inbetween?

 

[ericmark]

If we were to list all which should be done, then you would never start the job, in the main we all cut corners, not completing paperwork etc. So most will do as you say, but to claim that's all you should do is wrong, but again in the main we don't have the equipment to do it all correctly anyway.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I take its only a matter of isolating lights and spilting cable in loft then installing this relay inbetween?

Basically, yes, but it might be sensible to fit the units in some sort of box, for protection. It would need to be a plastic box, so the signal could get through to it.

Before trying to set it up, probably best to test it first, on something like a table light, and make sure you have a decent wifi signal, where you intend installing it. .

 

[NewhouseOldhouse]

Basically, yes, but it might be sensible to fit the units in some sort of box, for protection. It would need to be a plastic box, so the signal could get through to it.

Before trying to set it up, probably best to test it first, on something like a table light, and make sure you have a decent wifi signal, where you intend installing it. .

Would it not be an idea of taking my phone to the area to see how strong the wifi signal ?

It's only about 5 mtrs up through ceiling from the wifi box

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Would it not be an idea of taking my phone to the area to see how strong the wifi signal ?

It's only about 5 mtrs up through ceiling from the wifi box

Yes, try it with your phone.

 

[NewhouseOldhouse]

Got relay switch today installed and working fine.

Only issued I had was it needed to connect to 2.4ghz wifi network which took a bit of working with hub.

@Harry Bloomfield you had mentioned a plastic box what would you suggest this type of thing

https://amzn.eu/d/406dc3x

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

@Harry Bloomfield you had mentioned a plastic box what would you suggest this type of thing

https://amzn.eu/d/406dc3x

Yep, something like that..