Reddit reviews Westek Amertac CSG1 Switch Guard, White, 2 Pack

These are covered on the other side, but allow you to flip them if you need to. Hopping they discourage accidental flipping.

Got them here: Amazon - Westek Amertac CSG1 Switch Guard, White, 2 Pack

Amerelle SG1 Switch Guard, White, 2 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NCV1SK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_2FvRzbK890BDB

I have used these in the past. Similar idea to what was already posted, but allows you to stick your finger through the side and control it without a screwdriver. Used them on smart bulb cks, but allows you to cycle them off and on when you might not have your phone.

The hue dimmer switch works GREAT. I just installed one in my kitchen and bedroom this weekend. They are only $24/ea, and require no wiring. They look great on the wall, and function perfectly.

As for stopping people from turning off the lights... Something like this? =)

https://www.amazon.com/Westek-Amertac-CSG1-Switch-Guard/dp/B000NCV1SK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482873839&sr=8-1&keywords=light+switch+guard

Another option would be to turn the switches on and then install switch cover guards which screw on over the cover plate, making it impossible to operate the switch. Something like this: http://amzn.com/B000NCV1SK

If you are doing that get these or these.

Edit: Fixed links

I've thought about using these on my wall switches.. will let me resist the temptation of using the wall switch.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000NCV1SK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499281949&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=switch+blocker&dpPl=1&dpID=31-JdmvrGsL&ref=plSrch


For somethings I find flicking the switch faster than using my phone, watch or Siri to turn the lights on

You could always go the pop button route and use a light switch cover like one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Amerelle-SG1-Switch-Guard-White/dp/B000NCV1SK/ref=pd_sim_75_2/131-1612548-3818927?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=HMXFP98TV7Y6YRZAKCSC

Or here’s another style: https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Switch-Light-National-Mfg/dp/B00O6WYE1E/ref=pd_sim_60_3/131-1612548-3818927?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=HNXK7ZCG6WBJ46QYNDPD&dpID=31KilZn0JDL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=detail

I'm using these

They cover the switch with an opening on the side in case you do need to use the switch. The flip ones you listed would be sweet, too.

>and the hallway is controlled by a 2 way switch.

Do you mean a 3-way? As in controlled via 2 switches?

>Is there a good way to disable or lock out the light switches.

No sure what your choices are there, but these are super cheap and easy to install: https://smile.amazon.com/Amerelle-SG1-Switch-Guard-White/dp/B000NCV1SK/ They are also easily removable as needed.

>What is the best way to control the fan and heat lights in my bathroom?

Vent fan? And what exactly are you trying to automate with the fan/light?

I suspect your light may have a switch inside it that cycles when you cycle power to it in a certain time frame.

It probable switched to always on/off vs motion and your wife flipped it back to motion. I have a few of these and put a switch guard over those switches.

Westek Amertac CSG1 Switch Guard, White, 2 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NCV1SK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3A-1AbHS8XZJV

I have dusk to dawn porch fixtures with normal LED bulbs in them.

I then bought these so I wouldn't turn the switch off:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NCV1SK/

Set it and forget it. I felt I didn't need smart connectivity for something I didn't really touch to begin with. I know I wanted it on at dusk and off at dawn and this was the cheapest solution.

Get a 2 gang switch plate (or 1 wider than you currently have) and a switch cover/guard. You can install a 2 gang plate on a 1 gang box with the 2nd gang covering the wall a bit. Attach the dimmer to the unused side of the plate. The Hue dimmer comes with tape on the back and will cover the unused screw holes.

This is much easier, MUCH safer if you don't know what you are doing, and will still allow you to turn the power off if you need to.

I've seen people suggest a metal plate with a blank 2nd gang to take advantage of the magnets on the back if the dimmer.

For the switch cover, I'm using a magnetic cover:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002X88GYY/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1479335243&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=switch+cover&dpPl=1&dpID=31rKEqw%2BSZL&ref=plSrch

The hue dimmer's base takes up more than 1/2 of the switch plate, so I had to mount it with about a millimeter hanging off the side. Barely noticeable, but next time I'll use something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000NCV1SK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479335243&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=switch+cover&dpPl=1&dpID=31HrCmi9fBL&ref=plSrch

I have a very similar setup (just installed in the past week). The only difference is I'm using an iPad for a hub and voice control instead of Google Home.

If you want to use Homekit on your phone keep in mind that wemo switches are not homekit compatible and you'd have to run a Homebridge server (very easy if you have a computer that's always home/on).

One thing that I didn't really think about was guests coming over and flipping the dumb switches all over the place, and making all of your hue bulbs unresponsive. I installed two of these to prevent that, as well as a Hue Dimmer Switch for the living room to control a floor lamp and ceiling lamp simultaneously.

Just installed a couple of these switch guards where my kids kept turning off the light switch.

Pico Remotes are battery operated, no wires necessary.

I'm saying it's bad to hardwire a light socket, like you did with your hue lights. It can cause a fire or electrocute you. Since it's against code if it does cause a fire, insurance doesn't cover it. There are other options if you're worried about people turning the switch off like these.

It's really no different than leaving your switch up all the time and using one of these they sell at most hardware stores

> they keep state through power outages and they are a massive PITA to use as everyday lights if you want to keep them powered on and ready to be controlled. If you just want to switch them on for light, you need to get out the phone/tablet and fade them up.

Since you say they're compatible with Hue, have you tried the Hue dimmer switch? I've been installing them next to my power switches and putting switch blockers on the actual switches.

I'm going to say +1 for switch covers. I got some from Amazon for about $2. They're pretty nice and have 1 open side so if you need to get to the switch you can, without taking the cover off.


Amertac-Westek CSG1 Switch Guard, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NCV1SK/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_u8AQwbYJ9G6CP

I bought covers that go over the switch. They prevent someone from turning them off accidentally, but have side access so you can still get to them.

Westek Amertac CSG1 Switch Guard, White, 2 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NCV1SK/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_eLotybK3F99JB

There are a few different types of child locks for switches available on Amazon. Some are covers over the switch that allow usage through small access holes, others actually use a screw from the plate to hold the switch on or off.

Amerelle SG1 Switch Guard, White, 2 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NCV1SK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_7wlNzbEPGZREZ

Toggle Switch Light Switch Locks , Child-Safe, Residential, Lighting https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XC44D9H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_VxlNzbZNCE79Z

I opted for smart switches. It's cheaper in the long run, one switch controls many bulbs. And the switches still operate manually for guests.

Smart bulbs allow color changing bulbs, but it makes it hard for anyone other than you to operate them. Unless you install remote switches. But at that point, might as well get a real smart switch.

I live in an apartment so I can't change too much I bought some cheap light switch covers and screwed them over my existing switches and threw the dimmer switches on the wall above them. Works great and doesn't look all that bad.

EDIT: The light switch covers allow me to actually still use the switch in the odd event that I need to.
Something like this is what I have: https://www.amazon.com/Amerelle-SG1-Switch-Guard-White/dp/B000NCV1SK/ref=sr_1_1?s=lamps-light&ie=UTF8&qid=1496243809&sr=1-1&keywords=light+switch+cover

https://www.amazon.com/Westek-Amertac-CSG1-Switch-Guard/dp/B000NCV1SK/ref=pd_lpo_23_bs_lp_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=07A2JWD27N8MQCCB5QHB

I cover them with these. It has the advantage of stopping people from hitting your lightswitch inadvertently but you have easy access from the side if you need to toggle power for any reason.

We use these, not just for the switches that control smart lights, but for other switches. My office used to be a reading room with lamps before we bought the house. The power outlets are turned off by the light switch. Don't want a switch turning off the Modem, Router, Server, PC, etc.

It isn't perfectly kid proof, there is an opening on one side, but it does stop accidental bumps.

https://www.amazon.com/Westek-Amertac-Switch-Guard-White/dp/B000NCV1SK/ref=sr_1_5?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1511272327&sr=1-5&keywords=switch+plate+cover+guard

I've put these. in my class. I've also put these in my class. And if you want to go all out, get this.

In my class, I only have 1/2 of the lights on and it helps. A kid mentioned it being too bright so I took another light bulb out. Put lower watt bulbs in. Also, go to Home Depot and they have displays of different brightness of light bulbs. They have some soft white light bulbs that may help. But go to their display and check out the different light bulbs. The softer light may help.