How to keep people from manually turning off switches associated with smart devices?

People most typically run into this with smart bulbs, so there are a couple of FAQs in the forum that should give you some ideas. The same principles apply whether it’s a Wi-Fi camera, a pump, a smart bulb, or any other device where you don’t want the power turned off at the switch.

The main solutions all come down to a couple of basic categories:

  1. put a child safety lock over the existing switch to remind people not to use it. This tends to be most successful if you have voice control of the devices, because most people seem to like to use voice control and they just need the reminder.

For a device which should be turned off only in emergencies, probably like a camera, there are also switch locks available which are intended for use with things like freezers or medical equipment. Very similar to the child safety locks, it’s just that they lock completely.

  1. swap out the existing switch for a battery operated device. There are some which are designed to fit over the top of the existing switch, and some which would need A little more creativity.

  2. swap out the existing switch for a mains powered Switch which does not control the current

But again, read the FAQs first, they should help. :sunglasses:

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