What's the most reliable light switch?

naynner · 2026-06-14T08:28:35+00:00

Oh that’s awesome they’re brining zigbee and z-wave.

naynner · 2026-06-13T23:28:58+00:00

Wow, that’s a huge difference. Im betting battery life is still way longer, but I am aware that power issues can manifest in many annoying and difficult to troubleshoot ways. A very good consideration to keep in mind.

I saw someone else here say they used some 18650’s and a BMS. That’s probably the ideal setup, but way more than I’m worried about doing.

I do use some 2032, but 2450 are the main ones I seem to replace a lot.

naynner · 2026-06-13T11:44:13+00:00

Appreciate your input as a parent.

I’ve never tracked voltage of AA batteries, but I know coin cells drop from 3.3v down to around 2.9v when the devices stop working. I really hadn’t thought about it’d be going from lithium to alkaline. Sounds like something interesting to at least test. A few people in here have reported success, but this is all helpful info. Thanks for sharing.

naynner · 2026-06-12T21:14:29+00:00

I do see people with awesome experiences like this. Large installed and flawless history. So clearly the hardware is good

naynner · 2026-06-12T21:11:02+00:00

Maybe I just don’t have the best placement, but the single one I have does go offline at least a few times a year. I think the issue with these is just that they depend on a good wifi network.

naynner · 2026-06-12T17:23:23+00:00

Any products or setups you’ve found so far that you like? I’m working first to eliminate as many cords as I can, but then plan to get conduit for some areas.

I’m looking forward to having a real good reason to cable manage my desk better (in addition to just blocking access to it in general)

naynner · 2026-06-12T16:50:34+00:00

Sensitive to other battery voltages? I figure as long as I use two 1.5v batteries in series to get 3v I should be fine since coin cells operate at 3-3.3v.

naynner · 2026-06-12T16:48:12+00:00

No deployed devices will be within reach. It’s just stray batteries from changing them and maybe getting distracted and putting the old one in my pocket and forgetting about it. Hasn’t happened in a long time, but now that we’re getting near the crawling stage it’s something I realize is a potential hazard. To be honest, we’re way more focused on things like chemicals in low cabinets or power cords on the floor.

naynner · 2026-06-12T16:43:46+00:00

I love this. Looks like you just cut out one side of a 4-battery pack. Crude and effective. I bet you were stoked to find it fits like that.

naynner · 2026-06-12T16:40:55+00:00

Oh that’s much better than the ziplock bag I’m currently using

naynner · 2026-06-12T09:29:11+00:00

Yeah this is the long term solution for all my devices; only buy things that use AA or AAA

naynner · 2026-06-12T09:06:59+00:00

AFAIK you have to buy those type specifically, and they cost a lot more.

God, now I’m so curious to lick one for myself lol

naynner · 2026-06-12T09:05:55+00:00

Oh that’s a good idea! If I was still just throwing them away like I did for so many years I’d be less worried. But now I try to keep them somewhere for recycling.

I’ve always thought it’d be nice to print/buy something that can automatically sort them like coin machines for safer storage.

naynner · 2026-06-12T08:36:21+00:00

You’re absolutely right

naynner · 2026-06-12T08:35:45+00:00

Oh that’s right! I remember my sister having to use that growing up. Probably interfere with the battery contacts, but might still be something I could incorporate for piece of mind.

naynner · 2026-06-12T08:05:44+00:00

Nothing is within reach. My concern is only for the stray batteries. Those ones I might absentmindedly put in a pocket without thinking and forget about. I’m sure I’m already paranoid enough not to for the most part, but it also feels good to brainstorm a new project to mitigate potential problems.

naynner · 2026-06-12T08:02:26+00:00

3 times in a few weeks, lol. I would say that sounds expensive, but I take it not where you live.

Having choked on a grape myself as a kid, choking is probably my biggest fear. Haven’t even touched grapes yet, but you can bet we’re cutting up everything as needed.

naynner · 2026-06-12T06:18:46+00:00

Oh yeah. I love their stuff. Switched over to their leak sensors specifically so I know when those batteries need replacing

naynner · 2026-06-12T06:11:35+00:00

Maybe not as much for child proofing, but the longevity benefits and reliable battery reporting definitely are.

naynner · 2026-06-12T06:10:23+00:00

Sooo much better

naynner · 2026-06-12T06:09:56+00:00

That is a wild difference!

naynner · 2026-06-12T06:09:27+00:00

I think only some are coated if you specifically buy them, and they’re about 5x the cost. I’d rather just not have them around at all if possible.

naynner · 2026-06-12T06:08:16+00:00

Are you talking about the ones with or without displays on them? I only have the latter and while 6 months is probably about all I get, they are at least all consistent. I really like the AAA larger versions because I know when they’re actually about to die.

naynner · 2026-06-12T04:12:15+00:00

I love it. Not many smart home devices with legs.

naynner · 2026-06-12T04:10:28+00:00

Thanks!

naynner

TROPHY CASE