I get the appeal of smart plugs for quick fixes, but I’ve actually found them a bit limiting for outdoor setups. They’re great for string lights or single lamps, sure, but if you want to control multiple zones or dimming, switches seem more flexible. I had a weird issue last fall where the plug reset after a power outage and I had to re-pair everything... kind of a pain. For me, switches just feel more reliable long-term, even if the install is a bit more work.
I ran into something similar last year when I tried to automate my backyard lights. The smart plugs were fine for a single string, but once I wanted to split things up—like path lights separate from the patio—I hit a wall. Ended up swapping to smart switches in a weatherproof box. Bit of a hassle to wire, but way more reliable. Haven’t had to reset anything after storms or outages since. The upfront work pays off if you want real control.
I hear you on the hassle—my place is from the 1920s, so nothing’s ever straightforward. I tried smart bulbs at first, but they’d lose connection every time the power flickered. Wiring in switches was a pain, but once it’s done, it just works. Did you have to mess with your old wiring at all, or was it pretty modern already?
Did you have to mess with your old wiring at all, or was it pretty modern already?
Yeah, had to deal with the old knob-and-tube in a couple spots. The wiring was a total mixed bag—some updated, some ancient. Honestly, that’s what pushed me toward smart switches over bulbs. With the bulbs, every time the power blipped (which happens more than I’d like), they’d drop off the network or reset their settings. Super annoying.
Switches were a pain to install, not gonna sugarcoat it. Had to fish new neutral wires into a few boxes because the originals just didn’t have them. That’s pretty common with older houses—no neutral at the switch, just hot and load. If you’re lucky and your boxes are deep enough, you can squeeze in a micro relay behind a dumb switch instead of replacing the whole thing, but that’s hit-or-miss depending on space.
Once I got everything wired up right, though, it’s been rock solid. No more random disconnects or having to re-pair bulbs after every storm. Plus, guests can still use the regular switches without messing anything up.
If your wiring is already modernized and has neutrals everywhere, honestly, you’ve got it easy compared to what I went through. But if not, expect some drywall dust and a lot of cursing at tight junction boxes.
One thing I will say: smart switches are way less finicky long-term. Bulbs are great for lamps or spots where you want color control, but for outdoor/yard stuff? Switches all day. Just my two cents from wrestling with 100-year-old walls...
Man, I feel you on the old wiring headaches. My place is from the 40s and it’s like a time capsule behind the walls—some spots are fine, others are a total mess. I went through the same neutral wire saga and yeah, fishing new wires through plaster is not for the faint of heart. Ended up with more than a few “creative” drywall patches.
You nailed it about smart switches being less finicky in the long run. I tried smart bulbs first, thinking it’d be easier, but every time someone flipped the wall switch or we had a power flicker, it was back to square one. Drove my partner nuts.
Honestly, once you get past the initial pain of rewiring (and maybe a little blood sacrifice to the house gods), it’s so much smoother. And guests don’t get confused by weird controls or apps. If you’ve already got neutrals, you’re golden. If not… well, just know you’re not alone in cursing at ancient junction boxes. Worth it in the end, though.