Home Automation

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Home automation is the residential extension of building automation.

It is automation of the home, housework or household activity.

Home automation may include centralized control of lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), appliances, security locks of gates and doors and other systems, to provide improved convenience, comfort, energy efficiency and security.

Warning: Working with electricity can result in injury, property damage, or even death if it is not done properly. Please keep this in mind while assisting others. If you are not sure about what you are doing, hire a licensed professional.

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Anyone care to share how they got their family kn the smart lights train? (alien.top)

submitted 11 months ago by platynom@alien.top to c/homeautomation@selfhosted.forum

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I recently, maybe foolishly, replaced our apartment lights with some Matter bulbs. They’re mostly great, but yesterday the SO needed to turn on a light and it was such a chore for her. It’s had me thinking how I can make it work without voice. I’m guessing I’ll need a whole new setup, which sucks. I considered making a fancy Siri Shortcut to help her control things from her phone. Maybe a smart button on top of the switches? I’m a bit confused, if I’m being honest.

Any ideas on this are appreciated!

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[–] Natoochtoniket@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

There is rather a lot of language in the NEC on the subject of residential lighting and light switches. Here is the main part of it:

NEC 210.70(A)(1) Habitable Rooms. At least one wall switch–controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in every habitable room, kitchen, and bathroom. Exception No. 1: In other than kitchens and bathrooms, one or more receptacles controlled by a wall switch shall be permitted in lieu of lighting outlets.

Accordingly, people expect the light switches to be present, and to control the lights. That is a reasonable expectation. So I use smart switches for the switch-controlled lighting, and the switch over-rides the automation. If a guest operates a switch, the light must behave as expected.

A switched outlet is allowed, instead of or in addition to a ceiling fixture. And, where a lamp is plugged into the switched outlet, it is still allowed to turn the lamp off manually. But the wall switch must be present, and must control some kind of lighting outlet (either a fixture or an outlet). And, it is usual (though not required) to leave the lamp turned on.

All of this is actually about safety, not just design. Without lights, people trip and fall. I don't want my guests getting injured in my house. So I make sure there is light, and that the conventional controls do work.