Sorry if this is a common question that has been answered before, I don't even know the terminology to search for.
Is there a device that can be mounted inside a wall switch box that Hubitat sees as a switch, dimmer, or button device - but doesn't have actual physical buttons?
The Hue wall switch module MIGHT be what I'm looking for but I don't know if it can be used without a physical switch.
I want to replace a wall switch with something that is smart and controls the load, but isn't an actual switch. Then I can mount a Pico in place of the switch to control things, including the module behind it.
There are a number of relay solutions that can be wired into a non-smart switch to do this. Qubino, Aeotec, Fibaro, etc all make various iterations. Not sure about dimmers, though.
To clarify, I'm not trying to turn a non smart switch into a smart switch. I want something I can use instead of a switch, that HE can control and is hidden inside the wall box.
I think the relay will do what you want... it does not rely on the presence of a dumb switch. It really just opens and closes a contact based on a zwave command.
Just curious - why no switch? You'll have a blank switch plate anyway right?
Newer smart switches now have the ability to decouple the relay from the actual switch for use with things like smart bulbs - usually a capability called something like "Smart Bulb Mode". Also can be used to simulate "N-Way" switching without all the relay clicking as well. edit: I am doing this with button press detection on the switch not switching.
I have an in wall switch that controls the load to an outlet (plug in a lamp, etc)
I want to replace this with a relay, and then mount a Pico instead of the existing wall switch. Then the Pico button presses would be set up in HE to control the relay (and other things).
Yep I did this in my basement utility room - I bypassed and removed the switch going to the outlet and am using a smartplug to control my shop lights. Have a pico mounted in place of the switch.
You could get a smart receptacle/outlet and do it that way.
I think part of what they want is to use a pico instead of a switch otherwise I agree with you! Also have to be careful what kind of load you are expecting - lights okay, heavy equipment/fans/heaters probably not.
Well Zooz does not recommend their switches be used with fans - something about the motor loads damaging the switches over time.. this may have changed a bit for the newer switches and/or fans under a certain limit dunno.
Could this be useful to you?
I just ordered one for a project to install lighting inside a closet that does not have a pre-existing switch, or anything else.
SONOFF BASICZBR3 Zigbee Smart Switch, Zigbee Home Smart Controller, Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Works with SmartThings
The smallest out there are the Qubino Flush relays. They are both the same size. The Flush 1 has a single 10A relay. The Flush 2 has two 4A relays. Here's the size:
