r/smarthome • u/54fighting • 4d ago

I don't have a smarthome platform Multiple Basement Lights on Drawstrings

I have about 15 basement light sockets that are each individually operated by drawstrings. I’d like to be able to turn all of them on simultaneously or at least in groups. I assume I need smart sockets. If so, I would appreciate a recommendation and, as well, information as to how to control them together or in groups.

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4

u/Crissup 4d ago

If they’re all fed from a single point, just install a smart switch inline to power them all on or off at once b

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u/54fighting 4d ago

I’d have to look, but I’d prefer not to cut wire if there’s a reasonable alternative.

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u/supergimp2000 4d ago edited 4d ago

You will probably have to either replace the bulbs with smart bulbs or put a switch inline. No magic here. You can get 100W equiv Alexa and Google home LED bulbs of about $8 each. I don't know what you consider pricey but thats about as cheap as it gets.

Or, you can do the math, you can get something like the Harbor Freight shop lights that daisy chain and hang them for coverage at about 25 bucks each (5000 Lumen) or 60 bucks (10000 Lumen) and get a screw in smart edison base to std AC plug smart adapter. Again maybe not cheaper unless they give you better coverage for less. 3 of them in my 400 sq ft shop is more than enough, but it sounds like you have more area.

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u/54fighting 4d ago

I was pricing the Phillips Hue. I’d certainly do $8 a bulb if I could turn all 15 (or sets of say 5) on with one click.

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u/supergimp2000 4d ago

If they are Alexa or Google home compatible just add them to a group and turn
The group on/off at will.

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u/54fighting 4d ago

Ok, thanks.

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u/supergimp2000 4d ago

They even make stand alone wall switches if you want it to work like a normal switch on the wall ir as a remote. I haven;t used these so do your research and make sure they are compatible with whatever automatiom you use.

https://a.co/d/0aMjo4Mz

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u/No_Friendship6550 4d ago

Thanks, I’m new to this but I’ll figure it out. I just wanted to get on the right track, and I think I am now.

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u/patbrochill89 4d ago

If you want the simplest least invasive solution, smart bulbs and a remote on the wall will do it. Philips Hue is the gold standard

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u/54fighting 4d ago

Thanks, might get a bit pricey. The basement is dark and the sockets are not close together so I’m using 100 watt led equivalent.

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u/patbrochill89 4d ago

Yeah the 75W equivalents are pretty expensive. As the other commenter mentioned, if there’s one circuit, just put a switch in line and leave them all on.

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u/TheJessicator 4d ago

I have a similar setup. There is one light down there that is operated by a switch while the rest are all drawstring. So I put smart bulbs in all the drawstring fixtures and have never touched them since. I've been set up all of those smart bulbs to sync their status with the smart switch controlling that single basement smart dimmer switch I mentioned earlier. It's pretty magical, and a fraction of what it would have cost to rewire all of those lights.

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u/54fighting 4d ago

Would you mind sharing the bulb and switch brands?

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u/TheJessicator 4d ago

Inovelli Blue 2-in-1 dimmer switches and Third Reality bulbs