It consists of a mechanical timer, a dial, and a relay. It plugs into a receptacle. It does not require an internet connection.
> or when you're almost home (handy in hallway with no light.)
This wall switch occupancy sensor that can switch 2A (240 watts at 120V, more than enough for one hallway) is $23, it’s a decora device so figure $2 more for a 1-gang stainless decora wall plate (or less than buck if you go with plastic!): https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lutron-Maestro-Motion-Sensor-Swi...
However, that much current can power (72) 10W LED recessed cans that each put out about ~1000 lumens. Or enough light for approximately 2400 square feet of interior space.
> (Niche uses, perhaps, but "I just use my hands" is reductive silliness.)
These are not niche functions, occupancy sensing and time of day scheduling are in basically every commercial lighting control system and fairly common in homes. They’re solved problems with cheap commodity devices available that don't require an internet connection.
[can't see any of the links because homedepot is blocking EU/UK]
> It consists of a mechanical timer, a dial, and a relay.
Great but it only works on fixed times. Which isn't what we want.
> This wall switch occupancy sensor
Would only work once we're inside. Which isn't what we want.
(And there's no possibility of putting one outside.)
> They’re solved problems with cheap commodity devices
For certain simplistic scenarios where things are easily installable, etc. Which is great! I'm not saying everyone should use smart things. Just pointing out, repeatedly, that the "cheap commodity devices" do not, and indeed cannot, perform the same functions as smart devices.
This 24 hour timer can turn on two devices (lamps) on for whatever time interval you program, it’s $12: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Defiant-15-Amp-24-Hour-Indoor-Pl...
It consists of a mechanical timer, a dial, and a relay. It plugs into a receptacle. It does not require an internet connection.
> or when you're almost home (handy in hallway with no light.)
This wall switch occupancy sensor that can switch 2A (240 watts at 120V, more than enough for one hallway) is $23, it’s a decora device so figure $2 more for a 1-gang stainless decora wall plate (or less than buck if you go with plastic!): https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lutron-Maestro-Motion-Sensor-Swi...
Wall switch occ sensors get more expensive as the current they can switch gets higher, one that can do 6A is $87: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lutron-Maestro-Dual-Tech-Motion-...
However, that much current can power (72) 10W LED recessed cans that each put out about ~1000 lumens. Or enough light for approximately 2400 square feet of interior space.
> (Niche uses, perhaps, but "I just use my hands" is reductive silliness.)
These are not niche functions, occupancy sensing and time of day scheduling are in basically every commercial lighting control system and fairly common in homes. They’re solved problems with cheap commodity devices available that don't require an internet connection.