Looking for in-wall light switch style button that's battery powered and basically a button

[grodik]

So I've got an available slot in a three gang box after doing some rewiring. My under Cabinet lights run off a smart plug that's plugged into the fridge outlet (sue me). Basically what I'm looking for is a button that I can rule machine up to toggle the state of the smart plug. Or have unique signals for on / off. Whatever really.

And I'd really love for it to be able to fit right into a single gang space and run off batteries.

Anybody have an recommendations?

[hydro311]

Someone will inevitably say "Pico", but I'm guessing you're not running Lutron right now, so that option doesn't make good sense.

I'd recommend checking out Zooz Zen34.

[jimhim]

Do you not have a hot and neutral in that box that can power any smart switch with no load connected?

[Slate]

@hydro311

Someone will inevitably say "Pico"

You already did, so thanks.

[grodik]

In this particular case, I sadly do not. This box was/is all three-way intermediates, there's no feed here.

[grodik]

That's looking darn close! Is there a little stick version, and not the paddle style? This house has the dumb sticks everywhere :S

[jimhim]

@grodik

In this particular case, I sadly do not. This box was/is all three-way intermediates, there's no feed here.

I've repurposed uneeded 3-way traveler wires to bring power into the box on occasion. I'm sure you would have done that if possible, but just throwing it out there just in case.

Otherwise, yeah - the Zooz previously referenced. I think toggle switch style is going to be difficult - limited options.

[lairdknox]

It would be a total DIY hack but you could wire a toggle switch to a contact sensor. Then you could use the the open/close actions of the sensor.

Of course it would be a hassle whenever you had to replace the battery in the sensor.

[hydro311]

@grodik

Is there a little stick version

I've never seen a toggle version of a battery switch - I'd be very surprised if one exists.

[aaiyar]

@lairdknox

Of course it would be a hassle whenever you had to replace the battery in the sensor.

I have done this for a few purposes using old GoControl zwave contact sensors. The batteries have lasted 2-3 years.

[grodik]

Well don't I feel dumb - I've got an entire 14/3 that's wire nutted off and unused between the two boxes, indeed with a feed at one one end

[bertabcd1234]

If you still need something like you asked for, I think the Hue in-wall relay might work (it's powered--a bit odd for this kind of device). But if you do have a neutral, lots of in wall relays would work, like RGB Genie or (if I don't mins Z-Wave) Zooz or others. Most would let you keep your existing switches if matching appearance is important. Or there are also a few toggle-looking switches and dimmers, though they might stand out a bit more since all I'm aware of rest in a mkddlw position.

[lairdknox]

@grodik

Well don't I feel dumb - I've got an entire 14/3 that's wire nutted off and unused between the two boxes, indeed with a feed at one one end

I had a blank plate in my living room. When I opened it up there were two 50 year old switches mashed into the back. One was crushed. When I removed them there was still power running to the box. It was a little unnerving.

I don’t know what the original purpose was but I removed the switches and cleaned up the wiring. I then installed an Inovelli switch. It isn’t connect to any load but I use it as a button controller.