I just bought a house. I am using the Hubitat C-7 (I might upgrade to the C8 Pro, for the Valentine's special).
So we steps to the basement. The switch is at the top of the steps, and there is a light at the door/top of the steps, and then a small light at the bottom. However, there is no switch at the bottom of the steps.
(only 8 steps).
I want to use one of those remote light switches. Where I put a receiver in at the switch box at the top of the steps, and then the remote at the bottom. The remote I just want to attach to the wall (no box needed, no wires needed to be pulled or receptacle needed to be put into the wall)
Which one is the best? (by best, I also mean reasonable priced, and where I do not have to pull wires, or put a hole in the wall).
For the kitchen, there is a switch at the one side of the kitchen, but no light switch at the other side. So similar situation.
Lutron Pico remotes are my favorite, but for just one, the cost of the Pro Bridge (or any higher end system) would probably not be worth it. But, unlike almost everything else Lutron, the Pico remotes are pretty reasonably priced, so if you have a lot -- or are just willing to pay for reliability -- it might be worth considering.
Other than that, the Zooz ZEN34 sounds about exactly like what you're looking for (tip: it's almost always cheaper from them directly at The Smartest House than anywhere else), or the ZEN37 if you want more buttons. This is battery-powered, can be attached to the wall and look indistinguishable from an actual paddle switch when covered with a plate, or you can use it as-is.
There are some other devices out there like the SmartThings Button (now made by Aeotec and not as reasonably priced as it once was) or, if you are daring and feel like using a new Ikea Matter device and have a Thread Border Router, the BILRESA button is pretty cheap and works for at least some people most of the time.
Second on the Zen37's. Have 3 and they all get used a lot and they get charged once, maybe twice a year. I also have a [Minoston 800 Series Z-Wave Scene Controller] that work well. Battery life is pretty good, doesn't get used as much as the rest and I replaced the battery once in 2 years. Minoston 800 Series Zwave Scene Controller
I would just use any in-wall Zwave dimmer switch (or regular switch), and a Zigbee scene button for the battery switch. I'm very brand agnostic, I probably have 5 or 6 different types of Zwave dimmers in my house. I've had good luck with every brand I bought (GE/Jasco, Minoston, New One, Honeywell, and others).
Main thing is to open those switch boxes and see if you have a neutral, that is required for many switches, though there are some that do not need Neutral and use the path through the light to neutral (though those are sometimes problematic with certain lights).
You don't really need a direct connection to the switch from the battery device, just a rule.
If you aren't planning on dimming the light you could just use an on/of switch and save a few $. Zen71 is a bit less expensive. But as @chrisbvt mentioned any brand will work as long as you have a neutral wire.
The OP described his requirements, and didn't mention any desire to automate the light switch.
I know that this is a Hubitat forum, and we are all looking for a clever way of turning on a light bulb. So I hope I don't get kicked off the forums for even suggesting a non Z-wave/Zigbee solution, but I will take the chance.
This device does exactly what the OP described, and is available for $40 CDN, or about $26 USD.
That is an interesting find. Hadn't seen those before. Still would need to get the wireless switch for the bottom of the stairs. Doesn't look like they sell them without some other type of reciever (outlets, etc.) for around the same price. So for around $50, it would do what the OP described but without any type of automation available as you stated.
The item I posted is actually 2 devices. One of them replaces the existing switch in the wall, and acts as a receiver. The second device which is about a half of an inch thick, is the transmitter, and it can be attached to a wall either by screws, double faced tape, etc. It could also just be left on a table top to be used as a handheld remote.
Wow, I missed that. It looked like what Amazon listings typically do and have 2 views of the same device. Nice find, I could see this coming in handy for some people that don't want automation.
I use several of these. They work great and have an excellent battery life. Stick to the wall and put a wall plate over it (only if you want to use the two screws to use the wall plate). You do not have to use the wall plate and avoid the 2 screws as you noted if you wish.
I do not like the plastic wall plate provided with the unit and replaced with a metal one that matches others in the house. Also, they are the 800 series devices and therefor help with better range.
Easy enough to write a RM rule for off and on. There are two buttons at the bottom should additional needs arise in the future.
We have a switch at the top of the stairs which controls a single light at the bottom of the stairs. All other basement lights are controlled by motion sensors. No switches involved.
