1y ago

'Dumb' automation via clocks and timing?

I like automation, but I prefer things to run independently if possible.

One way to do this is via clocks and timers.

what is this type of automation called? What keywords can I combine to find these tools?
if I want power to be cut by time automatically, is there a gang extension cable I can get to do this?
I want to set my lights to a timer. I couldn't find a manual timer, so I had to get an IoT timer instead. Since I cheaped out with some rubbish Chinese switch, it was a pain to setup. Anything easier to set a 24hr cycle for?

Thanks!

6 comments

I have a bunch of these in my house: Kasa Smart Plug Mini 15A: https://a.co/d/iLhmDDu
Their app is really simple. Each switch has independent schedule and timer options. You connect via WiFi.
I also control them with HomeAssistant if I want more coordinated control, and you can do that at the same time as using the native app to manage them, so free to use whatever works best for you.

I really don’t understand much of what you’re trying to say, but
try searching for “programmable switches”. I have several in my house, where you can set a timer on the switch and it’s all self-contained.
maybe you’re thinking of “automation” wrongly. I agree that things should still work locally as expected but there’s plenty of opportunity to add automation
For example, I believe there are programmable smart switches that do keep their schedule locally but you can much more easily configure it from your phone or computer, plus synch time, plus the extra capabilities of automation

6 comments