Converted device to "always on"

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1

I have an air purifier that has a digital on/off button that I want to automate. The problem is if power is cut to the device it defaults to an off state, the On/Off is just a button and not a rocker switch/relay. Ideally I would like to the device to be "always on" and then I can just use a smart outlet to control when its running.

So I am wondering if anyone has some experiencing converting a simlar device/setup.

2

Without opening up and some soldering on the PCB you mean? Because that is the only thing I can think of to make it "always on".

3

Agree with @frits. I can't think of any way outside of soldering....unless you can bypass the switch by unplugging something...but it would seem likely you'd have to do significant disassembly!

S.

4

It would make a difference to whether the button was momentary or a toggle just how you would accomplish this.

There are also smart button pushers, but I think those are all WiFi devices? I don't know if any are compatible with Hubitat or other ways (IFTTT?) to somehow control it through Hubitat. I didn't research these though.

5

Yeah I did take it apart but it's a little tough without any kind of wiring diagrams to figure out the wiring. The power coming looks to powering the board itself and then there is additional wiring for the controls.

It's a momentary switch.

6

If it is a momentary switch that will be much harder. You will have to figure out how long to press it, and build a timed circuit to actuate it. Maybe even have a different length of press for on or off?

Maybe there is a different device that doesn't have this limitation?

7

Yeah as soon as I realized it was a momentary switch initially I knew there would not be any easy way. The unit works well, so its not worth buying a new one. For now I automated it somewhat where I have it on an smart outlet to at least turn it off, but I still have to turn it on everyday. For something that is used everyday, it just made sense to try and automate it too.

Also after looking into the button more apparently it also triggers an additional function besides on/off when being held for 3 seconds.