I hear you on the outdoor smart bulbs—had a similar experience with one in a vintage carriage light. Even with a gasket, moisture got in and it started acting up after the first heavy rain. Not worth climbing up a ladder every couple months just to swap out a bulb that’s supposed to be “smart.”
Swapping them out is a pain, especially if you’ve got older fixtures or anything up high.
That’s the kicker for me. My house is 1920s, and the exterior fixtures aren’t exactly designed for modern bulbs, let alone ones with built-in radios and plastic seals. I tried a weather-rated smart plug last year for some string lights on the patio. It worked fine until we had a week of freezing rain—then it tripped and wouldn’t reset unless I unplugged it. Not fun when everything’s iced over.
Honestly, I’ve had way better luck with hardwired smart switches inside. They’re less finicky, and like you said, they keep working even if someone flips the switch at the wall. For outside, I just use mechanical timers or photocell sensors. They’re cheap and reliable, and I don’t have to worry about WiFi or firmware updates.
I do wish there were more robust options for outdoor automation, though. Seems like most of the “weatherproof” stuff is really just splash-resistant, not built for actual storms or freezing temps. Maybe in a few years the tech will catch up, but for now, I’m not risking another fried bulb or plug.
If you ever find an outdoor smart solution that actually survives a full winter, I’d be curious to hear about it... but until then, sticking with old-school timers seems like the way to go.
That line about “not worth climbing up a ladder every couple months just to swap out a bulb that’s supposed to be ‘smart’” hits home. I had this grand idea last fall to modernize my porch with smart bulbs—figured I’d finally outsmart the old wiring and those stubborn switches. After the first big storm, one bulb started flickering like a haunted house, and the other just… died. Turns out, 1930s fixtures and WiFi don’t mix well, especially when moisture sneaks in.
Here’s what actually worked for me, step by step:
1. I swapped the exterior switch inside the house for a smart switch (no neutral required, thankfully).
2. Left the original fixture and bulb alone—no more wrestling with weird socket sizes or brittle glass.
3. For the backyard, I went old-school with a dusk-to-dawn sensor plugged into an outlet timer. Not fancy, but it’s survived two winters now.
For outside, I just use mechanical timers or photocell sensors. They’re cheap and reliable, and I don’t have to worry about WiFi or firmware updates.
Couldn’t agree more. Sometimes, the simplest tech is the most reliable, especially when you’re dealing with vintage quirks and unpredictable weather. Maybe someday there’ll be a truly weatherproof smart option, but until then, I’m sticking with what actually lasts.
I’m right there with you—tried “smart” bulbs outside last spring, and they lasted about as long as a carton of milk. Swapping to a smart switch inside made life way easier, and I didn’t have to mess with the old fixture. I’m curious, though: has anyone tried those weatherproof smart plugs for outdoor string lights or anything? Wondering if they hold up better than bulbs in the rain.
Smart Plugs for Outdoors: Any Real Difference?
I hear you on the “smart” bulbs outside—they just don’t seem to be built for the long haul, especially with the weather swings we get. I tried a couple name-brand outdoor-rated bulbs last fall for my porch, and honestly, they fizzled out before Halloween. The warranty process is a pain too.
Swapped over to a weatherproof smart plug for my patio string lights this spring, and it’s been a totally different story. Setup was dead simple—just plugged it in and connected it to the app. It’s been through a couple heavy storms and even a late frost, and it’s still ticking. The plastic casing looks a little cheap, but it’s sealed up tight and hasn’t let in any water I can see.
One thing, though: the plug is a little bulky, so if your outlet has a cover or is in a tight spot, it might be awkward to close fully. I ended up getting one of those “in-use” covers, which feels like overkill, but at least I don’t have to worry about water getting in.
Honestly, I think these plugs handle the elements way better than smart bulbs ever could. The only downside is you don’t get the color-changing stuff you do with bulbs, but for basic on/off and scheduling, it’s just easier and less wasteful. Plus, if the lights themselves die, I’m not tossing out a whole smart device—just swapping out the string.
Curious if anyone’s had issues with WiFi range, though. Mine’s pretty close to the house, but I could see it being a pain if your outlet’s further out in the yard. Otherwise, I’d say smart plugs are the way to go for outdoor setups, at least from what I’ve seen.
I’m with you on the smart plugs—mine’s been way less hassle than the bulbs were. The price difference is no joke either. I got a two-pack of outdoor plugs for less than one “weatherproof” smart bulb, and they’re still going after a year. Only thing that bugs me is the WiFi dropouts if I’m too far from the router. I’ve thought about trying a mesh system, but that’s more $$... For now, I just stick to using them close to the house. Honestly, for just turning stuff on and off, I don’t see a reason to mess with the bulbs or switches outside.
