How are people automating smart bulbs that are "behind" a smart switch? e.g. there a Zigbee/Z-Wave/etc. switch that turns the power on and off to the lights, but the lights themselves are smart bulbs (such as LIFX). It feels like I need a "group" that operates one switch before trying to operate the lights.
#Smart Switch and Smart Bulbs
heady geyser
civic heart
How are people automating smart bulbs that are "behind" a smart switch? e.g. the...
depends on the device but some you can run the switch in "detached" mode so it doesn't cut power but you can see the switch state change in HA. then automate the smartbulb to turn on/off when the switch is toggled.
heady geyser
Yeah, unfortunately these switches don't have that.
civic heart
Yeah, unfortunately these switches don't have that.
are you using functionality of the smartbulb other than on/off?
could just automate on the switch and as long as the bulb comes on when power is applied you dont need to directly switch the bulb
round nymph
Yeah, you could just cap off the load wire on the switch (if one exists; if not, just don't connect anything to load on the switch), connect the line wire to the load wire to supply constant power to the smart light, and automate on the switch state like Michael suggested. FYI I'm in the US so I'm using US terminology (not sure where you're based) and what I suggested might violate local codes but it's not unsafe
(naturally the line wire also needs to be connected to line on the switch)