Question Problematic Smart Switch

[lothian-mcadam]

I wired a "MOES" brand 3-way smart switch at a desired location in my home and set-up the thing within the SmartLife app. Mechanically, the 3-way switch works as expected; and I can toggle the smart switch ON/OFF within the SmartLife app.
So far so good; however...

Two problems within the SmartLife app:
1) the app displays the switch as online but always OFF; and,
2) the app will turn ON the switch as scheduled but it will not turn it OFF when scheduled.
The SmartLife app reports all is good with the switch. Bottom line: While I can control the switch remotely within the app, I have no idea of the status of the lights and automation is not possible.

I’ve done the intuitive t’shooting whatnots with no change within the SmartLife app:
- confirmed wiring is correct;
- confirmed distance-to-router is not a factor;
- re-paired the smart switch to the SmartLife app;
- relocated the switch to the other end of the 3-way circuit;
- disconnected ground a/o load from the circuit;
- swapped the affected switch with a known-good MOES 3-way smart switch I currently use elsewhere in my home;
- replaced the problematic smart switch with a new MOES 3-way smart switch.
I also connected a different brand smart switch at the same location. Result: SmartLife app displays the switch online but always ON (!?) with the same scheduling problem.

Interestingly, when I bench test either smart switch in a 3-way configuration, the SmartLife app displays the correct ON/OFF switch status and ON/OFF scheduling works! This confirms 1) both smart switches work properly; and 2) the SmartLife app is getting accurate status information from the switch. This also suggests the hot a/o neutral wires are the culprit? ...like maybe noise across either/both conductors causes a status sensing issue that the switch’s CPU broadcasts as errata to the SmartLife app? I don't know how to test this theory or how to detect noise in the 3-way wiring.

Both SmartLife and MOES have not been helpful with this issue so I'm hoping someone reading this post can offer some insight.

 

[COLGeek]

What device is the app running on? Have you tried from any other device?

 

[lothian-mcadam]

What device is the app running on? Have you tried from any other device?

Read my post all the way thru.

 

[COLGeek]

Read my post all the way thru.

I did, thus the questions.

If you can't be bothered to respond, others can't be bothered to help. Kind of how this forum thing works.

BTW, as your test bench experience showed everything working properly, your wiring may indeed (as you suggested) be the problem and changing switches may not solve the issue.

Good luck. Might be time to consult an electrician.

 

[lothian-mcadam]

The brands of smart switch are MOES and TREATLIFE, both $20 and both 'Made in China'. I chose the MOES because it's the only up/down toggle smart switch on the market, and it matches all the other switches in my house. That it's only twenty bucks is nice also!

 

[jahazonic]

I wired a "MOES" brand 3-way smart switch at a desired location in my home and set-up the thing within the SmartLife app. Mechanically, the 3-way switch works as expected; and I can toggle the smart switch ON/OFF within the SmartLife app.
So far so good; however...

Two problems within the SmartLife app:
1) the app displays the switch as online but always OFF; and,
2) the app will turn ON the switch as scheduled but it will not turn it OFF when scheduled.
The SmartLife app reports all is good with the switch. Bottom line: While I can control the switch remotely within the app, I have no idea of the status of the lights and automation is not possible.

I’ve done the intuitive t’shooting whatnots with no change within the SmartLife app:
- confirmed wiring is correct;
- confirmed distance-to-router is not a factor;
- re-paired the smart switch to the SmartLife app;
- relocated the switch to the other end of the 3-way circuit;
- disconnected ground a/o load from the circuit;
- swapped the affected switch with a known-good MOES 3-way smart switch I currently use elsewhere in my home;
- replaced the problematic smart switch with a new MOES 3-way smart switch.
I also connected a different brand smart switch at the same location. Result: SmartLife app displays the switch online but always ON (!?) with the same scheduling problem.

Interestingly, when I bench test either smart switch in a 3-way configuration, the SmartLife app displays the correct ON/OFF switch status and ON/OFF scheduling works! This confirms 1) both smart switches work properly; and 2) the SmartLife app is getting accurate status information from the switch. This also suggests the hot a/o neutral wires are the culprit? ...like maybe noise across either/both conductors causes a status sensing issue that the switch’s CPU broadcasts as errata to the SmartLife app? I don't know how to test this theory or how to detect noise in the 3-way wiring.

Both SmartLife and MOES have not been helpful with this issue so I'm hoping someone reading this post can offer some insight.

You explained it very precisely 👏 Quite a technical and specific topic, taking a lot of time for testing. The thing about the wrong state display in SmartLife and the different behavior in the common three-way circuit was very interesting — this is most likely due to noise or interference in the neutral or common line between the two switches. I had a similar experience with Tuya switches, where adding a small anti-noise capacitor (Snubber) between Line and Neutral completely cleared up the problem of the wrong smart state.

I think it is worth checking the circuit noise with a multimeter or simple tester. Sometimes adding a filter such as RC or ferrite choke on the switch input stabilizes the control.

Overall, the explanation is a great help for other users who have similar problems with MOES three-way switches.

 

[manimalist]

Good thinking testing with another, different brand smart switch (SS). I must advise from some experience that not all Chinese-made SSs are spectacularly reliable products. I also learnt from prior experience that SSs sometimes don't get along with smart bulbs, and you don't mention in your post if there are any on the circuit you wish to control. But even with that said, you DO mention that you tested the SS with the load removed—by which you presumably mean the lights were not connected to the SS during your test—so that negates all that rubbish about smart bulbs and SSs. Right. So then given the results of your investigation thus far, I think your suspicion that there's "noise" in the mains may be possible... AND... your suspicion that the SSs are glitching because of it may also be exactly right. As I ALSO have no idea how one detects noise in the mains—one must presume specialised equipment no doubt—I propose you try ONE MORE test! For this go, instead purchase a Leviton, Eaton, Lutron or any well-respected NON-Chinese brand! Name-brand products a designed and built with more robust electronics that are more tolerant of less-than-pristine electrical conditions. Do try this if you're able and let us know how you get on!