What is Reddit's opinion of Lutron Aurora Smart Bulb Dimmer Switch | for Philips Hue Smart Bulbs | Z3-1BRL-WH-L0 | White?

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People give Hue shit for being so expensive but it also has the most compatibility with other ecosystems and widest range of accessories. Personally, I love the Lutron Aurora Dimmer for my Hue bulbs. It easily installs over a standard US light switch and makes for a great dimmer. Battery lasts a long time too.

They're a bit pricey, but these allow you to retain the basic functions of a light switch without needing to worry about guests flipping the switch off. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07RJ14FBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_PTQSFb895ZR04?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Cheaper solution: gaffer tape.

Just get this thing. If you have a paddle switch replace it with and old school switch and then get this thing.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RJ14FBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_B4N896YT461TQK42DT42?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I went down the path of rewiring my switches to add neutrals, installing smart switches, writing home assistant automations to keep the state of the switch and hue in sync, and troubleshot endless small issues. If I were to start again, I would.juatbget the things I linked above and be done with it.

This may have been a neat trick a while back, but anymore, it's a relatively common feature for smart relays and switches. Almost all of my Zwave switches and in-wall relays have this functionality. All of my Wifi switches do too.

Basically, the switch or relay doesn't actually turn the power on/off to the lightbulb like a traditional setup, but leaves it powered all the time, and simply sends a signal to tell the bulb to turn on/off, dim, change colors, etc.

If you're in the Hue/Zigbee ecosystem, these are fairly popular for a hubless setup.

Standard wall sconce fixture + Hue bulb + Hue motion sensor would be the way I'd probably approach this. That way you'd have almost unlimited options for the appearance/style of the fixture and if there's a concern about someone turning the wall switch off, you could bypass the switch or add a Lutron Aurora (if in the US).

I use these zigbee ones to dim my lights:

Lutron Aurora Smart Bulb Dimmer Switch | for Philips Hue Smart Bulbs | Z3-1BRL

They worked for me in ZHA using a Nortek stick, but the button push was weird and intermittent so I switched to a Conbee II and works as a dimmer

There are a couple combos that can work, but you're duplicating functionality, adding complication, and wasting money. Better to do smart switches or smart bulbs.

Check out something like this if you're already into smart bulbs. Lutron Aurora Smart Bulb Dimmer Switch | for Philips Hue Smart Bulbs | Z3-1BRL-WH-L0 | White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RJ14FBS/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_5S93NMQCH121B753R3ZF

I have always liked these

Lutron Aurora Smart Bulb Dimmer Switch | for Philips Hue Smart Bulbs | Z3-1BRL-WH-L0 | White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RJ14FBS/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_S1GBV37CB9MCHVWMRA4D?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

They can cover a standard light switch and dont look bad. I use them on 90% of my lights.

I have also have other zigbe switches (ikea etc) with home assistant to act as the middle man to control hue lights.

My not answer ur question completely, but may offer some ideas

Another idea is to use a Lutron Aurora. It snaps on to a normal lightswitch - no wiring required, it just slides right over the existing switch. It uses ZigBee, so you can pair it with something like ZHA or your Phillips Hue hub if you're using Hue lights.

Then nobody can switch the lightswitch accidentally, and you can make the dimmer/button do whatever you want it to do.

I have a switch in my tv room that controls the power to a ceiling fan that i can also control with a remote that i wall mounted right next to the switch. I covered the switch with a Lutron Aurora which I use to control my philips hue lights around my tv. It works great.

I really like this switch, it is battery powered, but I don't imagine you would have to replace the battery that often. It mounts onto the actual switch so people can't turn off the power. https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Aurora-Dimmer-Philips-Z3-1BRL-WH-L0/dp/B07RJ14FBS

If you're going to use smart bulbs don't use a traditional switch. Use something like this

Lutron Z3-1BRL-WH-L0 Aurora Smart Bulb Dimmer, 1 Pack, White https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07RJ14FBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_QDHADREC95HWH9F8GMW9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

If you’re using Hue bulbs these work really well over light switches to keep them from getting turned off and allow them to be controlled “traditionally” as well. I have them in the common areas of my house and the guest room so visitors don’t get confused or turn something off.

These work with Hue bulbs (and other zigbee bulbs) and sit over your existing switch so you have full wall access to bulb, but won’t shut off power to socket. Lutron Z3-1BRL-WH-L0 Aurora Smart Bulb Dimmer, 1 Pack, White https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07RJ14FBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_IOv0FbGSNSN2V

Thanks I see now. Would this work for hue strip?

Lutron Z3-1BRL-WH-L0 Aurora Smart Bulb Dimmer, 1 Pack, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RJ14FBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_i_CX.ZFbWMFMAJX

While most of the time i would use app or automation to control, i do like idea of having a real switch in case cloud is down or something.

Wow. I have several of those myself. It's unfortunate they aren't being made anymore.

However, as a Hue user, I much prefer the Lutron Aurora. If you have Hue lights, I would recommend this as a replacement.

How about the Lutron Aurora Smart Bulb Dimmer Switch? (Note: Amazon US link.)

Just have them use regular switches and put these over them: https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Aurora-Dimmer-Philips-Z3-1BRL-WH-L0/dp/B07RJ14FBS

Lutron Aurora Smart bulb dimmers, they work fantastic with Hue system especially if you don't want/can't(renting)/have to replace existing light switches.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RJ14FBS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

The best thing I found so you can still have use of a physical switch as well is the Lutron Aurora. This mounts on the physical toggle switch locking it in the on position and links to the hue app to give you on off and dim controls.(Edit US Toggle switch design)

They have a paddle switch option but involves some rewiring.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RJ14FBS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_CKWWJE98D26137V0VQ99?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

That's inevitable...

Consider some Lutein Aurora buttons around the house for her sanity. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07RJ14FBS/

And switch guards for your sanity. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07JZWYNDM/

These only work with Philips Hue lights but if that’s what you have, they’ve worked really well for me.

Lutron Z3-1BRL-WH-L0 Aurora Smart Bulb Dimmer, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RJ14FBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HGKzFbQS7F0VA

https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Aurora-Dimmer-Philips-Z3-1BRL-WH-L0/dp/B07RJ14FBS

I have both this and this.

> Lutron aura

Lutron Aurora

35$ on Amazon https://www.amazon.ca/Lutron-Aurora-Dimmer-Philips-Z3-1BRL-WH-L0/dp/B07RJ14FBS

Fantastic, but not sure if you care for the twist dimmer function:

Lutron Aurora Smart Bulb Dimmer... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RJ14FBS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

(Lutron Aurora Smart Dimmer) [https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07RJ14FBS/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_ZJ61X7J7AZJR9MG794RD] Pricey at $65 each. But work well

you need this

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RJ14FBS?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_8JKCYG88HANB3M16BMRE

Lutron Aurora $30

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RJ14FBS

Deal link: Amazon

I have 5 of these in my apartment.

If your apartment used toggle switches (not flat plates) they just clamp onto them and connect via zigbee

Lutron Z3-1BRL-WH-L0 Aurora Smart... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RJ14FBS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Lutron Aurora Smart Bulb Dimmer Switch | for Philips Hue Smart Bulbs | Z3-1BRL-WH-L0 | White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RJ14FBS/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_S0925PFW85XRXN53HHHN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Is it a toggle or a rocker switch? If it's a toggle, this might do.

Just put a Philips hue (or other smart bulb) in the light and then put one of these over the switch.

https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Aurora-Dimmer-Philips-Z3-1BRL-WH-L0/dp/B07RJ14FBS

Easy.

TLDR: There aren't any toggle style switches out there that are ZigBee that can do this, but there are a few alternatives if you're open.

If you're open to a paddle style, ZigBee switch, we're working on request right now and it should be ready by the end of the year: ZigBee 2-1 Switch

I haven't tested this one yet, but Lutron came out with the Aurora light-switch that goes over your existing toggle switch, which claims to work with ZigBee bulbs: https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Aurora-Dimmer-Philips-Z3-1BRL-WH-L0/dp/B07RJ14FBS

As u/85kqq5cZbcxs (great to see you here!) suggested, code permitted, you could just wire the line/load together to bring constant power to the light and then setup an automation with the GE toggle style switch you posted. I'm not sure if that switch supports scene control (ie: multi-tap), which makes things easy to setup with smart bulbs, but if it doesn't you should be able to set something up like, "if switch is on, turn on bulbs -- if switch is off, turn off bulbs, etc".

Depending on your hub, you could also go down the Z-Wave path and choose either Zooz or us as we both have smart bulb mode for this exact scenario. I'm not really sure how theirs is setup tbh, but I'm sure it's similar to how we implemented it, which is that when the mode is activated, the switch will provide constant power to the smart bulb and when someone presses down on the paddle, instead of cutting physical power to the bulb, it will send a signal to the hub to turn off the bulb. You can turn on/off/dim directly from the switch by sending these signals to the hub (and then the hub to the bulb). You can also utilize multi-taps to change the color of the bulb.

u/Dansk72 -- I was in the same boat as you in that I couldn't understand why people wanted to control smart bulbs with a smart switch. Seemed like overkill lol! But, it's finally grown on me and now I love having smart bulbs on a smart switch. I have some movie lights that are over the TV that are smart bulbs that I can turn on/off/dim from the smart switch. But on top of that, if I double-tap the switch, they change colors. I think what it boils down to is if you want the color changing (or temp changing) features. If you don't need that, then definitely stick with dumb bulbs.

Hope this helps?

Eric

Founder | Inovelli

I realize this isn't what you have planned, but this is the option I'm going with.

Lutron Aurora product info

Buy on Amazon

It attaches to the light switch, requires no wiring, is powered by a watch/coin CR2032 battery with a 3 year lifespan, and works with the Phillips hue system.

If you’re using hue this might be of use to you: https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Aurora-Dimmer-Philips-Z3-1BRL-WH-L0/dp/B07RJ14FBS

I have a couple of these zigbee dimmers. They are awesome.

https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Aurora-Dimmer-Philips-Z3-1BRL-WH-L0/dp/B07RJ14FBS

I use these, not sure what expensive means for you but I enjoy these very much.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/lutron-aurora-smart-bulb-dimmer-switch-for-philips-hue-smart-lighting-white/6339058.p?skuId=6339058

Edit: Amazon has them for cheper right now.

https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Aurora-Dimmer-Philips-Z3-1BRL-WH-L0/dp/B07RJ14FBS

You might consider this: https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Aurora-Dimmer-Philips-Z3-1BRL-WH-L0/dp/B07RJ14FBS

It lets you have the lights powered on all the time and still gives local dimming control.

The dimmer is pretty pricey and specifically made for Hue lights.

The other product, I've gotten for half-price what it is on Amazon right now. It won't connect to the Hue bridge though so I have it connected through Smartthings to control my Hue lights.

Deal link: Amazon

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I actually meant the Hue compatible Lutron Aurora Dimmer, I mixed them up

going to delete and repost

Would have to spend more money, but this would be an easy solution:

https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Aurora-Dimmer-Philips-Z3-1BRL-WH-L0/dp/B07RJ14FBS

I read about the Lutron Aurora the other day. It may not be what you are looking for, but I thought it was an interesting idea for this problem: https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Aurora-Dimmer-Philips-Z3-1BRL-WH-L0/dp/B07RJ14FBS/

I recently bought this for my Hue setup: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RJ14FBS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_MNaCDb5201D6Y

I also can't replace the in-wall switch, so I was looking for a retrofit option and these look like they fit the bill.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RJ14FBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_VS6RK7G7YPNY0GFJK715

expensive but might help?

or just get some battery powered switches and stick them next to the wall plate?