1y ago

Auto Shutoff Light Switch?

I have been searching on and off for years with no avail for a simple light switch that turns off after a preset amount of time to install on our closets. I just want a regular ass looking rocker switch, not one with a dozen timer buttons, not one with a motion sensor.

I know I could just use a smart switch and have HA turn it off, but I'm waiting for TP-Link to release a Matter ready firmware update before buying more.

I guess I could just use a sonoff relay, but I really don't think this particular application should require smart functionality.

Anyone know of a switch like what I'm trying to find?

9 comments

Look for one for a bathroom exhaust fan and just wire it up to lights instead

https://a.co/d/hKla5qi This screws over the switch but it's a single button.
- That might be the best option I have until I finish my Hal9000 project.

Why look for something so complicated when you could use a momentary switch that is activated by the door to the closet? Basically like the light in your fridge.
- I don't want to have to run wires since our attic is a nightmare (blown in insulation 3ft deep), and I don't want wires just running in the open.
  What I'm looking for really isn't super complicated. It could easily be done by Lutron or someone making a few small changes to a motion light since they already have the firmware to select shutoff times.

I know this one isn't ideal but something similar to this?
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Light-It-White-Wireless-RC-Switch-30019-308/206857908
What if it was a door activated switch like a fridge so the light only comes on when the door opens?
- That.. Isn't the worst idea. My HA server is close to all of them, so I would just have to add a RF blaster.
  And I thought about the momentary switch, but it would be a PITA to wire it so that the wires were hidden.

For me, it's a classical case for a Sonoff Basic (or Mini) with Tasmota, then write 1 rule and it is done. The smartness helps "on the outside": I can watch the state in Home Assistant.
The "non-smart" way to do this is a momentary switch and a timer relay module.
- Yeah, that's the route I'll take once I start rolling out my Hal9000 project since it's the best spot in each room for the human presence detectors. I was just hoping there was a $5 Chinese switch that would die about the time I was ready to install.

9 comments