Noob Q: Switch and bulb on separate circuits

[JDRoberts]

Welcome!

Yes to all of these (except that Sylvania bulbs are zigbee, not zwave, although it doesn’t make any difference in this case).

Details in the smart bulb switch FAQ (this is a clickable link)

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?

A popular brand is the go control/linear accessory switch which is designed not to control a load and has its own Z wave radio. So the switch talks to the hub and the hub talks to the bulb. Shop around, including at Home Depot, as prices vary a lot:

https://www.amazon.com/Linear-Z-Wave-3-Way-Accessory-Switch/dp/B00EAY3K5Y

As far as battery-operated Devices there are a lot of choices. The following list includes both wall mount and handheld and both battery operated and mains powered so read descriptions carefully:

FAQ: Full list of buttons and remotes confirmed to work with SmartThings [Not all devices listed work with the 2020 Platform]

I’d like to know which buttons and remotes are currently supported or might be supported in the future. Ideally, I’d like to find something similar to the following: http://www.evolvecontrols.com/devices/control-devices/glass-series Though alternatively just a simple nice-looking button which actually works unlike this Aeon according to Amazon reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Touch-Panel-Button-Switch-AL-001/dp/B00GL6B4GG/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1421468320&sr=1-3&keywords=aeon+button There is an Aeon Key Fob as well, but it doesn’t seem to be very durable or stylish: What else is available?

A Third alternative is a battery operated smart switch cover which fits over the existing switch so you don’t have to rewire it. That’s discussed in detail in the switch FAQ.