Fibaro 2 Dimmer (212 not 211)

[JDRoberts]

@danmarson

This is the main reason I’m staying away from Philips Hue, as once the light switch is off its rendered useless!

This used to be true, but there are now a number of devices which can solve this issue.

In particular, as I mentioned, there are now at least four battery-operated switches available in the UK that can be wall-mounted and will work with smart bulbs.

The following thread discusses some of the options. Although it does mention some devices which are only available in the US, like the Cooper, there are others which are only available in Europe, like the Popp, which serve a similar purpose although they have a different form factor. So the approach is the same even if the exact device may be different.

FAQ: Philips Hue and Other Smart Bulbs - What sort of light switches to use with them? (Long FAQ)

Thinking on a big move to Hue lights, the real question is - what switches to use with them? If they’re all automatable via ST and other devices, do I really want to put them all on controllable switches too? There’s the advantage that I can arrange to ensure those switches are on so that the the Hue bulbs would be too…but it also leaves open the ability for folks to just turn them off and leave them off. Hmm. Thoughts?

Some UK members have even created 3-D designs as mounting platforms for these.

Design for a frame & cover to let you "replace" a light switch with no changes to electrical wiring needed

Hello everyone! Here in the UK we don’t normally have a neutral wire in the wall boxes behind light switches so that rules out replacing light switches with “smart” switches directly without extra costs. However, you can get battery powered switches, but if you’re like me you don’t want to have two sets of switches and have someone accidentally turn the lights off at the wall using the original switch… This way you can put a z-wave relay up in the ceiling connected to live, Earth and neutral and then toggle the lights on and off w from the battery switch or your phone via ST app. So I’ve designed a cover (the central item in the render below) that fits over the manual light switch, is held in place with magnets and provides a mount for a z-wave battery operated switch: [image] The g…

The Fibaro is an excellent device and serves many use cases very well. So it just comes down to your own particular needs and preferences. But there are definitely more options than there were even six months ago. Choice is good.