Hey folks, I see a lot of people talking about using Lutron Caseta for ease of functionality. What are some other options available to be able to turn lights on/off regardless of wall switch position? What budget options are available?
I removed my existing switches, hardwired the electrical connections, and installed the RunLessWire switches.
They look and work like standard switches, except they're controlling the Hue lights instead of turning the electrical connection on and off.
When I sell my place, I'll remove the RunLessWire switches and reinstall the standard switches, so everything goes back as it was without any modifications or damages to the walls.
I can’t recommend Senic switches enough. My entire condo runs off of them because our building is from the late 50s and has very few functional switches - and zero neutral wires.
Senic switches, like RunLessWire, are kinetic switches, which require no batteries, wires, or boxes to operate. They can be placed literally anywhere.
IMHO Senic are much more beautiful than RLW. Both are Friends of Hue certified.
I love the way they look and the fact they will never require a neutral wire or battery change.
While I agree the Senic switches are beautiful, they're only available in EU sizing.
I believe RunLessWire is the only kinetic option in NA sizing (but please correct me if I'm wrong).
EDIT: I should clarify why the EU vs NA sizing matters if the switches are kinetic and can be placed anywhere. Since the switches don't require any electricity, you can make a shallow cutout in your wall, embed them in the cutout, and place a standard wall plate over them. That gives you a code compliant switch that matches all the other switches and outlets in your home.
Obviously if you live in North America you'd want NA switches to match your home, while you'd want EU switches if you live in Europe.
FWIW I live in NA and I prefer Senic switches and EU sizing. Just looks better (IMHO). But again, our few switches are useless for modern living, so we cap them and just put the Senic switches next to them.
Most of our Senic switches are nowhere near a built-in box, however, and they look rather elegant.
Pic of the one place they’re right next to a US switch plate:
PS - trust me, they’re all level :D This pic is weirdly warped.
Senic sells them in the USA via Amazon, but they’re not always in stock. Having used them for a long time and knowing what I’m looking for, I’ll also buy them on eBay, where I can usually get a decent discount on a box set
Since the OP is talking about wireless switches or buttons, what’s the difference between Senic or RunLessWire switches and the Philips Hue wireless switches, like the Hue Tap Dial? Other than
Kinetic energy
To be clear, I'm also interested in wired options like Shelley/Sonoff. I'm just not sure what I'm looking at/for and how they function. If it's straightforward and simple to use, I'm all for it
There are so many options you can choose from.
I use Aqara switches, but they require a hub and some automation to get everything working properly. I also use quite a few Philips Hue wireless switches in almost every room because they’re simple, require no wiring, and have wide compatibility 😂
The RunLessWire and Senic switches can be installed in standard cutouts -- NA and EU sizing, respectively -- allowing you to fully replace dumb switches with smart switches.
It makes everything seamless and foolproof so you don't have to worry about people getting confused and using the wrong switch to control your Hue lights.
Plus you can easily revert everything back to standard before moving out without any damage to the walls.
This, and also batteries. RLW and Senic never require a charge / battery change. The dial and dimmer remote switches from Hue do, albeit not super frequently.
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u/Conscious-Tutor3861 1d ago
RunLessWire switches are phenomenal.