Philips Hue - Light switch cover

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baileym1

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Topic # 242325 22-Oct-2018 10:45

Hi Guys - new to Hue - just got a whole bunch with dimmer switches. Question - are there any light switch covers available anywhere to cover the existing normal light switch - obviously dont want people using the old ones and to use the Hue dimmer switch. Can use some tape but wondering if anyone has a elegant solution that doesn't involve removing the existing light switches

lchiu7

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Reply # 2112130 22-Oct-2018 10:53

It's a common problem if you use somthing like Hue

These might work

https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Switch-Outlett-Toggle-Switches/dp/B002X88GYY/ref=sr_1_14?s=lamps-light&ie=UTF8&qid=1540158635&sr=1-14&keywords=light+switch+cover

Not sure the magnets would work since our switches are different but some double sided tape would do the trick. Certainly neater than taping the switches down.

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michaelmurfy

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Reply # 2112133 22-Oct-2018 11:05

I've just used tape on mine.

Also remember, if there is a power cut and you're like me and use Hue as all your lights then all your lights turn on when power is restored.

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mdf

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Reply # 2112143 22-Oct-2018 11:45

I was playing around with a 3D printed blank cover for PDL600-style lights. Basically a blank cover that was twice as deep as normal to cover the switches that you could still pop off if necessary.

I couldn't get the clips to work, and it looked a bit ropey anyway, so gave up and went back to tape.

baileym1

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Reply # 2112156 22-Oct-2018 11:54

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That is exactly what I was after - a double depth blank cover - surprised there isn't something commercially available - guess some white electrical tape it is

JimmyTee

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Reply # 2115251 27-Oct-2018 23:28

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I just used a mounting block. Stuck that over the exisiting light switch, then stuck the Philips Hue switch onto that.

https://www.bunnings.co.nz/hpm-13mm-deep-white-surface-mounting-block_p00606220

lchiu7

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Reply # 2115300 28-Oct-2018 08:25

An issue I face is I don't have a bunch of Hue remotes everywhere I can use to cover existing light switches and also many of my lights have more than one switch. So you don't anybody to turn off light switches and so take the bulb out of control.

The only times for me where it's not an issue is a couple of my bedrooms. The bedroom light switches are at the door but the beds are at the other side of the room. So turn on the light with the switch and turn them off with the remote. And if somebody turns them off at the wall it doesn't matter since nobody is ever going to want to turn them on remotely when they are not going to the room.

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Dingbatt

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Reply # 2115304 28-Oct-2018 08:51

JimmyTee:
I just used a mounting block. Stuck that over the exisiting light switch, then stuck the Philips Hue switch onto that.

https://www.bunnings.co.nz/hpm-13mm-deep-white-surface-mounting-block_p00606220

I am trying to nut this one out at the moment as well. What type of switch is under the hpm surface mount you linked? It would need to be a flat plate style for things to sit flush.

I was thinking I might need to try and 3d print something to achieve what I'm after, which is a pushbutton mech under the Philips mount, and then drill a hole in the mount so I can access the pushbutton if I need to isolate the lights.

Might be worth an expedition to Bunnings to see if I can get something off the shelf instead.

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JimmyTee

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Reply # 2115318 28-Oct-2018 09:37

It’s a fat old fashioned one - the mount provides clearance so the hue switch looks like it sits flush

baileym1

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Reply # 2115784 29-Oct-2018 09:11

That looks awesome and the end result I would love to have - if you happen to do anymore or if someone else goes through the same process - would love to see a step by step on how you did it

JimmyTee:

I just used a mounting block. Stuck that over the exisiting light switch, then stuck the Philips Hue switch onto that.

https://www.bunnings.co.nz/hpm-13mm-deep-white-surface-mounting-block_p00606220

Coil

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Reply # 2115918 29-Oct-2018 10:44

baileym1:

That looks awesome and the end result I would love to have - if you happen to do anymore or if someone else goes through the same process - would love to see a step by step on how you did it

JimmyTee:

I just used a mounting block. Stuck that over the exisiting light switch, then stuck the Philips Hue switch onto that.

https://www.bunnings.co.nz/hpm-13mm-deep-white-surface-mounting-block_p00606220

Just use that surface mount box and double sided tape, Would work fine!

Just need a standard size flat faced switch to stick it to so it remains clean.
Without changing wiring, There isn't much you can do.