Smart technology a go go or a no no

[cliffed]

With all this Smart Technology around who uses what

 

[plugsandsparks]

Not much in my own home except just bought a Honeywell Thermostat for remote control of heating for my Cabin in the woods, for the price, if you need to know the temperature from anywhere in the world using internet AND be able to switch something on and off, its really good.

For work, i have just about automated everything you can do in a Smart Home, lol

 

[cliffed]

Thoughts on Quinectic switching looks pricey, knowing how to “Sell” it to the Client..

 

[littlespark]

ive had lightwave rf in my own house for years. Remote control sockets, lights in one room and heating all from one app.

Have fitted umpteen numbers of thermostats, heaters, switches, CCTV, and now EV chargers..... and have umpteen apps on my phone for each.

Quinetic is a cost saver if it means no running cables, redecorating, etc.
I fitted 3 two gangs at my FIL's storage unit. There was only a single switch before, at a door that didnt get used. The Quinetics is at any of the 3 doors that now might get used.

 

[LukeD]

I might try Quinetics when they look nicer !

 

[pirate]

Yes, I'm a fan of Quinetic and have fitted loads of them. As @littlespark says it's a no brainer if it saves running cables, redecorating etc. The ability to add a switch anywhere is a real bonus, and cost-wise I have not had a problem with clients baulking when the alternative is more expensive and very messy, especially in period properties. As for controlling with apps on phone, I'm just not a fan at all. It's fine for some, but not something I would do...I don't even like dimmers, so many failures and hassles over the years. i replaced all mine with the push-on-off modules that just work...all the time. Add LEDs (I love 'em!) into a dimmer mix and as you know there are so many threads on here about dimmers and LEDs not behaving, so why would you? I can still get off my seat and switch the lights on or off!
Quinetic and the dimming receivers are a bit hit and miss too...
However, I have not had a standard Quinetic setup fail in over 10 years. I installed a couple of switches to 1 receiver last week in a building which is part of my local Men's Shed charity, and the ease of installation against running cables made it a joy of a job.
The main building has several Quinetic switched lighting circuits, in use daily now for 4 years or more, and not one failure. The type of building would have required conduit installation onto brick walls for all the switch drops, but we have none so it's clean and simple, if anything broke, well it's all easy to see, easy to gain access, and very simple and quick to fix. We have 3 access doors from the outside, and a main panel which controls all the lights, but adding a switch at each door was a doddle.
Other than that, I'm not bothered about switching my heating on from the other side of the world...why would I? My neighbour pops in to do that if required, which, so far, has been never!

 

[cliffed]

I suppose looking from the Old School of cabling ….if you got to install a cable why not install another ie: Switch position
Also I have quite a few smart controls & there are times it’s easier just to use a switch
Its a slow process in the future to move over to ST

 

[telectrix]

i use a snooker cue to turn the telly on. never needs batteries and don't go ---- up with faults that's smart.

 

[brianmoooore]

One concession to all this 'smart' stuff is a eWeLink switch connected in parallel to the central heating programmer. Nice to have the heating on half an hour before I get home. (Or when I'm too lazy to get out om my armchair and walk 10 feet to the programmer to override it on.)

 

[ipf]

i use a snooker cue to turn the telly on. never needs batteries and don't go ---- up with faults that's smart.

Useful.. and throw the cue chalk at the switches and telly buttons....?