Auto turn off lightbulb without timer
Hello,
I installed the L510B light bulb in the bathroom with the intention of having it turn off automatically after a few minutes as the children leave the light on all the time. I've set up an automation which works if I turn the light on using the app, but doesn't work if the light is turned on from the cord/wall switch. I'm guessing because turning the bulb off from the cord/switch means it loses connection up WiFi, when it turns back on it doesn't follow the automation process immediately. I can't expect the kids to turn the light on with their phones every time so how do I get around this without using a PIR sensor light bulb?
Many thanks
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Automations will only run when the smart devices are online. If you turn the bulb off using a physical switch, it loses its connection entirely. It remains offline the moment you turn the switch back on, so that status change won’t trigger any automations.
For your case, I recommend installing a smart switch to control a regular light bulb instead.
Alternatively, you could also consider getting a Tapo smart button to replace the current physical switch. Here’s how you could set it up:
1. Set up an automation so that pressing or rotating the button turns the connected bulb on or off.
2. “Disable” the current physical switch — for example, by removing the existing wall plate and replacing it with a blank, non‑operable cover plate.
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Automations will only run when the smart devices are online. If you turn the bulb off using a physical switch, it loses its connection entirely. It remains offline the moment you turn the switch back on, so that status change won’t trigger any automations.
For your case, I recommend installing a smart switch to control a regular light bulb instead.
Alternatively, you could also consider getting a Tapo smart button to replace the current physical switch. Here’s how you could set it up:
1. Set up an automation so that pressing or rotating the button turns the connected bulb on or off.
2. “Disable” the current physical switch — for example, by removing the existing wall plate and replacing it with a blank, non‑operable cover plate.
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Thanks for the advice. I'll take a look at that. The light is on a cord as it's a bathroom location so I can remove the cord. Is the tapo switch battery operated? I don't want anyone to get an electric shock touching a live switch in a bathroom.
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LCDC wrote
Thanks for the advice. I'll take a look at that. The light is on a cord as it's a bathroom location so I can remove the cord. Is the tapo switch battery operated? I don't want anyone to get an electric shock touching a live switch in a bathroom.
Yes, we do have battery-powered switches. However, it’s important to clarify that “battery-powered” means the switch itself doesn’t need a neutral wire connection, it runs on batteries. The light or appliance you’re controlling (the load) still needs to be connected to the regular electrical wiring in your wall.
A smart switch is essentially the same as a regular electrical switch at its core, they both need to be wired in. The only difference is that a smart switch has an added smart module that lets you control it through an app.
Regardless of whether a switch is battery-powered or not, it’s crucial to follow all relevant installation and safety guidelines. Not doing so can lead to safety hazards—for example, you should never operate any switch with wet hands.
Also, if you're planning to install the switch inside the bathroom, this is not supported. The switch cannot be installed in wet or damp environments.
One more important point to add: if your smart bulb is currently installed in the bathroom without any cover (like a lampshade), that’s also not recommended. Smart bulbs are not waterproof. Using them in a high-humidity environment like a bathroom, where they might even get splashed with water, carries a very high risk of damage and safe hazards.
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I see, thank you for all the information. I think that answers everything I need to know. I'll have a look at my options for a bathroom environment.
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