this post was submitted on 26 Jun 2024
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A good zigbee repeater light switch? (self.homeassistant)
submitted 5 months ago by dream_weasel to c/[email protected]
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I have been using the Kasa (TP-Link) branded smart switches around my house, but now that I have a few third reality zigbee sensors for my doors and so on, I am seeing the value of using more outlets/switches that act as zigbee repeaters. Do any of you have pretty reasonable (and cheapish) smart light switches or outlets I can invest in? The Amazon offerings are in the $50 each one which is pretty steep, though I guess I could just do one each room and do the rest with Kasa stuff.

I would like to expand the zigbee mesh network so I can use the devices where I actually want them without using smart outlet devices plugged into real outlets all over the place. If there was something that was $20 or less each item that would be super excellent. The wife and I plan to move in the not too distant future and I'd like to replace the "in the wall" stuff so that HA works throughout the house and I don't have plugs / dongles / wall warts all over the place.

Thanks in advance for any insight!

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[–] [email protected] 11 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) (2 children)

The problem with smart light switches is that they sit on the AC path. This means they're capable of starting fires. As a result you might want units that don't have questionable designs or the cheapest relays inside. A proxy for that is being certified by a western certification organization. Something like UL, CSA, ETL, MET, TUF, etc. Both the certification and the grade of components used increase the price of such units. There are some cheaper certified switches too, but personally I wouldn't install something that doesn't carry the name of a North American (I'm in Canada) manufacturer on it. Leviton, Eaton, etc. And those are $50+. πŸ˜”

[–] dream_weasel 5 points 5 months ago

You know, that's actually really sound advice. I hadn't considered that. Maybe I'll go with relays or something else.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 5 months ago (1 children)

This is the reason I haven't gone down the smart light switches path yet.
Anything that I'd trust enough on 240v is out of budget!

[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 months ago

Sucks because you know they don't cost nearly that much to make but it is what it is. πŸ˜…

[–] [email protected] 4 points 5 months ago (1 children)

My house is old enough that it doesn’t have neutrals, so I’m kinda limited in what I can install. I’ve been using smart plugs by thirdreality and battery powered buttons. No problems with the smart plugs yet.

THIRDREALITY ZigBee Smart Plug 4 Pack with Real-time Energy Monitoring,15A Outlet, Zigbee Repeater,ETL Certified,ZigBee Hub Required,Work with Home Assistant,Compatible Echo Devices and SmartThings https://a.co/d/05vm2VMC

[–] dream_weasel 2 points 5 months ago

That's also what I've been using, they just don't look very permanent or polished in my high traffic areas.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 months ago

Someone else already raised the mains wired safety/budget issue, but I may have a side suggestion for you: Bulbs as repeaters.

I've added hue bulbs directly to my zigbee network, where they also act as repeaters.

The problem then was people switching off at the switch. This has been resolved by adding a little zigbee button by the switch (as people can achieve the function without the mains switch).
Which gives the bonus of being able to do different taps.

(So for example, I have one click as toggle on/off, two clicks is daytime+bright, press+hold is evening+dim)

[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 months ago (1 children)

I have installed LEDLUX smart wall socket (around 25€), MOES light switches (around 30€ for a 2-gang switch), both of which are quite easy to install as it replaces what you already have. I have used Sonoff zigbee relays (around 50€ for a pack of 4) as well as Avatto mini zigbee smart switch modules (around 20€, single and 4-gang modules), but it may require some modifications on your current installation

Or go with a zero, plug and play socket, like the Nous A1Z smart socket, around 15€ each. Just plug it onto your wall socket.

[–] dream_weasel 1 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Could I trouble you to link a relay you're talking about? Because if it's a naked board that's cool I'll hide it in the wall, but amazon is confused and thinks I mean a switch I think.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 months ago

I have been pretty lucky with the Aqara plugs. I have like 8-10 of them at this point and they work really well with homeassistant, giving energy readings and such.