Ideas for routines?

[JDRoberts]

With all due respect, different things work for different people, and many people like and use smart bulbs. The power off switch issue can be solved in multiple different ways.

The question of smart bulbs versus smart switches is one in which there are passionate opinions on both sides, but the ultimate answer is that different things work for different use cases.

The U.K. Lighting FAQ discusses most of the options

VFAQ: Lighting Control Options for UK SmartThings

There are many forum discussions of possible lighting control options for the UK. Before we get too theoretical, I just wanted to do a quick recap of the options that are available right now for those in the UK. 1) Choose one of the inside-the-wall micro relays from the official compatibility list and have it installed on the circuit where there is a third wire. Even if there isn’t a third wire in the switchbox itself, there’s still one on the circuit somewhere. It may be at the ceiling fitting, it may be somewhere else in the wall, but it is there. https://www.smartthings.com/uk/compatible-products [image] If you want to add a new faceplate to create a push button “momentary switch,” you can modify many switches to work with the in wall relay. Plastic button front plates are quite…

And the following thread has more details.

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?

And, of course, the debate continues thread…

Start Here: VFAQ: Connected Light Bulbs vs Connected Light Switch

I want to start connecting some recessed lights to smartthings…just curious what approach is better. Using a standard dimmer switch with connected lights or using a z wave switch and regular lights?

I’m not saying bulbs are better than switches. I am saying that in some use cases bulbs are better than switches, and in some use cases switches are better than bulbs. It depends on each person’s specific needs and preferences.