Exploring Smart Lighting and Device Integration

Hi everyone! I’m relatively new to the world of smart home automation and have been diving into exploring various devices and integrations. I wanted to share my recent experiences and some questions I’ve come across, hoping to get some insights from the community.

First off, I recently purchased the Tapo P110M mini smart Wi-Fi plug with energy monitoring. It’s been a breeze to set up, but I’ve noticed that the power monitoring data only shows 0 watts. I’m trying to avoid using their cloud app, so I’m curious if anyone has encountered this issue and found a workaround. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

On another note, I’ve been researching smart bulbs for my home, particularly looking into options that work seamlessly with the SmartThings hub. I’ve heard great things about the Sengled bulbs, but I’m also considering Zigbee options like the IKEA TRÅDFRI range. However, I’ve read some mixed reviews about their reliability, especially during power outages. Does anyone have experience with these bulbs and could share their thoughts?

Another topic that’s piqued my interest is the integration of multiple certified device type handlers for the same model of device. I came across a discussion where it was mentioned that this might add complexity to the onboarding experience, but I’m curious to understand the potential benefits. How does this model work in practice, and are there any examples where having multiple handlers significantly enhances functionality?

Lastly, I’d like to recommend an app I’ve found incredibly useful: the SmartThings Alarm app. It’s a free app that sends loud alerts to my phone when there’s an intrusion detected by my smart home sensors. It’s been a lifesaver, especially since I work nights and my wife is home alone. The ability to acknowledge the alarm and manage it remotely has given me peace of mind.

I’m really enjoying exploring all the possibilities that smart home technology offers, and I’m excited to learn more from this amazing community. Thanks in advance for your insights and recommendations!