Question for the hive mind: I have a 4-gang box of light switches and will be moving one across the room closer to the fixture it controls. I’m trying to figure out what to put in its place. I live in a tiny house on wheels, where space is at a premium, so it seems a shame to waste those few square inches, especially when it could fit some cool gadget I don’t know about yet!
I need to keep the space accessible, since the wires currently attached to the switch will be wire-nutted together after the switch is removed. In your fantasy world, is there something you’d put in that space?
I am VERY new to home automation but am eyeing the Shelly relays so I can automate some existing lights (whose switches are right there). I’m also wondering whether I can rig up something to get my Dickinson Newport propane fireplace (just to the right of the switches) to connect to a thermostat (probably beyond my abilities but still fun to dream). What other cool stuff is out there?
The biggest limitation (other than the tiny amount of space) is that the wiring is 12VDC, which eliminates a lot of the smart products on the market. Still, I know there are folks automating their RV’s, so I figure someone’s got to have some ideas.
I haven’t set it up yet but, in case it matters, I’m planning to use Home Assistant. Thanks!
Good idea. I was thinking motion detector, but I like the subtlety of a presence sensor (didn’t know there was a difference!). There are small 12V ones, and maybe I need to consider 3D printing an enclosure. Not that I’ve ever 3D printed anything, but it sounds fun!