Hello everyone,
Over the past few years, I’ve gradually made our rental apartment a bit smarter. Tado for heating and air conditioning, Hue for the lights, Nuki for the front door, Eve for the garden, some smart plugs and window sensors, and Netatmo to stay informed. Everything is integrated with Apple’s HomeKit, and almost everything can also be controlled via multiple Alexas.
Overall, we are very satisfied with our setup. So far, we have no problems running automations that, for example (where desired), turn on the lights via motion sensors. Geofencing controls many things (cameras, heating, lighting, etc.), so for us, almost all needs are covered. Since we already have a lot of hardware, we want to keep all of it and implement it in our new house. Of course, there are also some things to improve here.
Just this past weekend, I discovered that Philips has a collaboration with Gira offering switches that require no wiring, no batteries, and look great as well. Although we enjoy almost everything automated, there are always some situations or rooms where a simple switch is still faster and better. That’s why we are currently considering installing these switches alongside the existing wired light switches where they already sit. Weberhaus also offers this solution for their houses, so it can’t be too bad. Still, it would be quite a drastic step to completely give up the “old” switches and thus wiring as well.
Here is question 1:
Who has already implemented this solution with the Hue switches and can share their experience?
I have, of course, imagined some worst-case scenarios and have tested a few things at home. Lights MUST always be able to be turned on somehow—that is my basic requirement.
Case 1: Internet connection fails (Wi-Fi still active).
Apple HomeKit is offline, as is Alexa (both perfectly manageable since these are luxury features, not basic requirements). Hue devices still communicate and can be controlled both with the switches and the app.
Case 2: Router (FritzBox) total failure.
Same as Case 1.
Case 3: Hue Bridge breaks.
Lights can no longer be controlled by either the switches or the app. BUT the emergency solution still works: cutting power to the lamp and restoring it. Hue bulbs are, by default, ALWAYS on when powered.
The catch with the new Gira switches is that they also stop working, meaning you really have to remove the bulb and put it back. For me, that’s okay in such an exceptional situation—it has never happened to me in all these years, and one night can be managed like that.
So, the Hue solution with their switches is basically acceptable to me even in an emergency. Test passed!
Please point out any cases I haven’t thought of (and please don’t just say power outage 😀).
Now, as a new feature for my new house, I will have roller shutters everywhere, which will be controlled wirelessly with Somfy motors, so I need your help again since I can’t test these yet.
The question here is: are there wireless solutions that allow the roller shutters to be lowered even in exceptional situations?
Theoretically, radio motors don’t need switches anymore, but are there similar wireless switches that require no wiring?
What’s really important to me is: if all standard equipment fails (the associated bridge, Wi-Fi router…), is there any way to still lower the roller shutters without installing a wired backup solution?
That’s it for now 😀.
A quick clarification: I’m just a user, so if I have described things incorrectly (like calling a switch a button or vice versa—I’ve never been able to keep that straight), please overlook it 🙂
Best regards
From a smart home enthusiast who doesn’t really have a proper smart home yet 😉
Over the past few years, I’ve gradually made our rental apartment a bit smarter. Tado for heating and air conditioning, Hue for the lights, Nuki for the front door, Eve for the garden, some smart plugs and window sensors, and Netatmo to stay informed. Everything is integrated with Apple’s HomeKit, and almost everything can also be controlled via multiple Alexas.
Overall, we are very satisfied with our setup. So far, we have no problems running automations that, for example (where desired), turn on the lights via motion sensors. Geofencing controls many things (cameras, heating, lighting, etc.), so for us, almost all needs are covered. Since we already have a lot of hardware, we want to keep all of it and implement it in our new house. Of course, there are also some things to improve here.
Just this past weekend, I discovered that Philips has a collaboration with Gira offering switches that require no wiring, no batteries, and look great as well. Although we enjoy almost everything automated, there are always some situations or rooms where a simple switch is still faster and better. That’s why we are currently considering installing these switches alongside the existing wired light switches where they already sit. Weberhaus also offers this solution for their houses, so it can’t be too bad. Still, it would be quite a drastic step to completely give up the “old” switches and thus wiring as well.
Here is question 1:
Who has already implemented this solution with the Hue switches and can share their experience?
I have, of course, imagined some worst-case scenarios and have tested a few things at home. Lights MUST always be able to be turned on somehow—that is my basic requirement.
Case 1: Internet connection fails (Wi-Fi still active).
Apple HomeKit is offline, as is Alexa (both perfectly manageable since these are luxury features, not basic requirements). Hue devices still communicate and can be controlled both with the switches and the app.
Case 2: Router (FritzBox) total failure.
Same as Case 1.
Case 3: Hue Bridge breaks.
Lights can no longer be controlled by either the switches or the app. BUT the emergency solution still works: cutting power to the lamp and restoring it. Hue bulbs are, by default, ALWAYS on when powered.
The catch with the new Gira switches is that they also stop working, meaning you really have to remove the bulb and put it back. For me, that’s okay in such an exceptional situation—it has never happened to me in all these years, and one night can be managed like that.
So, the Hue solution with their switches is basically acceptable to me even in an emergency. Test passed!
Please point out any cases I haven’t thought of (and please don’t just say power outage 😀).
Now, as a new feature for my new house, I will have roller shutters everywhere, which will be controlled wirelessly with Somfy motors, so I need your help again since I can’t test these yet.
The question here is: are there wireless solutions that allow the roller shutters to be lowered even in exceptional situations?
Theoretically, radio motors don’t need switches anymore, but are there similar wireless switches that require no wiring?
What’s really important to me is: if all standard equipment fails (the associated bridge, Wi-Fi router…), is there any way to still lower the roller shutters without installing a wired backup solution?
That’s it for now 😀.
A quick clarification: I’m just a user, so if I have described things incorrectly (like calling a switch a button or vice versa—I’ve never been able to keep that straight), please overlook it 🙂
Best regards
From a smart home enthusiast who doesn’t really have a proper smart home yet 😉
I have already read dozens of posts about wireless versus wired control devices. My impression is that the best attitude in this area is: "Ignorance is bliss 😎". The range of options is so huge, and unless you invest tens of thousands of euros, it’s always considered the wrong choice. These days, I will only use a central control system for roller shutters, so I can raise and lower them all with one switch. Everything else I will solve wirelessly. If necessary, through different apps, possibly with Alexa or Google integration...
The advantage of wired systems lies simply in their simplicity and robustness. You can also switch the system at any time and change to different devices. Additionally, almost any electrician can replace and adjust the devices without extensive prior knowledge.
Unfortunately, this is not the case with wireless systems. Once you choose a specific system, especially when the wireless receiver is integrated into components like roller shutters or blinds, you have to accept the associated pros and cons of proprietary solutions.
In this case, a "dumb" motor with five cables is much more flexible, as contradictory as that may sound. You don’t have to stay within one system but can, over time, use motors from completely different manufacturers and install them instead of defective ones. For example, with Somfy, you have to keep purchasing within their ecosystem.
There is also the aspect of reliability. Electronics crammed into device boxes generally have a much lower mean time between failures (MTBF) compared to an actuator installed somewhere on the DIN rail.
Unfortunately, this is not the case with wireless systems. Once you choose a specific system, especially when the wireless receiver is integrated into components like roller shutters or blinds, you have to accept the associated pros and cons of proprietary solutions.
In this case, a "dumb" motor with five cables is much more flexible, as contradictory as that may sound. You don’t have to stay within one system but can, over time, use motors from completely different manufacturers and install them instead of defective ones. For example, with Somfy, you have to keep purchasing within their ecosystem.
There is also the aspect of reliability. Electronics crammed into device boxes generally have a much lower mean time between failures (MTBF) compared to an actuator installed somewhere on the DIN rail.
Mycraft schrieb:
The advantage of wired systems is simply their simplicity and durability. You can change the system and switch to other devices at any time. Also, almost any electrician can replace and configure the devices without extensive prior knowledge.
Unfortunately, this is not the case with wireless systems. Once you choose something, especially if, for example, the wireless receiver is integrated into roller shutters/blinds, you have to accept it and deal with all the pros and cons of proprietary systems.
Maybe we are misunderstanding each other, but where exactly do I have to stick to the same system if I, for example, choose:
- A video doorbell from Eufy
- An alarm system from Reolink, etc.
These can easily be replaced.
Nixwill schrieb:
I have to be honest, I still don’t quite understand why wired is always supposed to be so much better. It’s not really about “always” here. In the situation described, however, it is better from my perspective – at least, that’s what I decided recently. As Mycraft already mentioned, it’s more robust, independent, and therefore more flexible in the long run. This applies both in terms of future “technology adaptations” and usability.
I felt the same as you. I’m not opposed to technical toys, but I wasn’t willing to invest tens of thousands of euros in KNX or similar systems. That’s why we chose the “simplest” solution for the general contractor: the standard wired electrical connection for the roller shutters, with the idea of leaving all options open afterward for a wireless connection. After moving in, the roller shutter control was supposed to be integrated into HomeKit. The choice had already been made for the Eltako 64 series. Since the latter has been unavailable for over a year (certification delays) and no concrete delivery date can be given, I ultimately switched to Bosch flush-mounted switches and have been very satisfied so far. (Physically identical to Homematic switches, but not compatible.)
These devices install in 3 minutes, cost between 40-50 EUR (45-55 USD) each, and work as they should. Shellys (which I also had), with their additional disadvantages, are nowhere near as good. Although the (affordable) Bosch controller is also required—which I originally wanted to avoid (like with Eltako)—it supports other devices like smoke detectors and is, by the way, partially compatible with Hue, so it’s not a problem for me.
The advantage is that every single roller shutter has its own wired switch. If you’re nearby (at the window or terrace) and want to quickly open or close a single roller shutter, a short press is all it takes. Any child, guest, or spouse can easily do this. Especially regarding the spouse, the “acceptance factor” for these technical solutions should not be underestimated. At the same time, the wireless setup offers all kinds of features and options. Whether you control each roller shutter individually by voice or smartphone button (with open/closed status), open/close all simultaneously, or create custom scenes – the possibilities are nearly endless, at a cost of about 500 EUR (560 USD) for the entire house as a wireless solution.
If you become dissatisfied with the chosen technology at some point or want something different for any reason, the flush-mounted switches (which come with adapters for various switch series and manufacturers) can be easily replaced in a very short time.
This would not be so easily possible – or at least much more complicated and expensive – with Somfy in your example.
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