I’ve been on a quest to find the perfect smart plug for my Hubitat Elevation C5, and I thought I’d share my journey in case it helps anyone else out there. The main issue I’ve been tackling is the accidental activation of critical equipment, like my personal computer, due to the power button on standard smart plugs. It’s happened more times than I’d care to admit, so I decided it was time to find a solution that either removes the button entirely or requires a deliberate long press to toggle the power on or off.
I started my search by looking for plugs that support a programmable power button. Ideally, I wanted one that could be set to require a 3-5 second hold to switch states. This would prevent accidental presses, especially in areas where multiple people might be checking on the equipment. After some research, I came across a few models that seemed promising, but many either didn’t integrate well with Hubitat or lacked the necessary features.
Then, I stumbled upon a brand that offers a plug with a programmable button feature. It allows me to set the hold time exactly as I need it, which is a huge plus. Another option I explored was a plug without a physical button altogether, relying instead on voice commands or app controls. While this might be a bit too hands-off for some, it’s perfect for my setup since it completely eliminates the risk of accidental presses.
I also took the opportunity to look into the load capacity, ensuring that whichever plug I chose could handle the 150W peak draw of my computer without any issues. Thankfully, most of the models I considered were well within the required specifications.
If anyone else is dealing with similar challenges, I’d recommend starting with checking the programmable button features of the plugs you’re considering. If that’s not an option, going button-less might be the way to go. It’s all about finding the right balance between convenience and reliability!
I’d love to hear if anyone has found other solutions or has recommendations for plugs that work seamlessly with Hubitat. Let’s keep the discussion going and help each other out!