I’ve recently made the switch from Philips Hue E14 bulbs to Shelly Duo GU10 bulbs, and I must say, it’s been a journey worth sharing. Initially, I was a bit hesitant because Shelly doesn’t offer an E14 version, which meant I had to get creative with adapters. However, the results have been fantastic, and I wanted to walk through my experience in case others are considering a similar move.
The Setup
I primarily use these bulbs in a standing lamp in a corner of my living room. The challenge was to control them without having to reach up to the lamp every time. I decided to use a standard Gira wall switch alongside the Shelly 1 to handle the on/off and dimming functions. Here’s how I set it up:
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Physical Wiring: I connected the Shelly 1 to the switch and then ran the power to the lamp. It was a bit tricky, but with some careful wiring, it worked out perfectly.
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Configuration: In the Shelly app, I configured the switch to control all three bulbs simultaneously. I also set up long press actions to turn them off, which adds a nice touch of convenience.
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Dimming: I experimented with different press patterns to adjust the brightness. Pressing once turns them on, twice dims them to 50%, and three times dims them to 25%. It’s a simple system, but it works seamlessly.
The Results
The most significant benefit has been the energy efficiency and cost savings. Shelly bulbs are known for their low power consumption, and I’ve noticed a reduction in my electricity bills. Plus, the dimming feature adds a nice ambiance to the room, which I wasn’t expecting.
Tips for Others
- Adapter Usage: If you’re using adapters, make sure they’re compatible and secure. I found that using E27 adapters with GU10 bulbs worked well, even though it wasn’t the intended use.
- Switch Configuration: Spend some time testing different press patterns to find what works best for your setup. It’s all about personal preference.
- App Customization: The Shelly app is quite flexible, so don’t hesitate to tweak settings until everything feels just right.
Final Thoughts
Switching to Shelly Duo GU10 bulbs has been a positive experience. The initial setup required some trial and error, but the end result is a functional and energy-efficient lighting solution. If you’re considering making the switch, I highly recommend giving it a try. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in both convenience and cost.
If anyone has questions or needs help setting up their Shelly devices, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to share more tips or troubleshoot any issues you might encounter!